Visitor Policy

Updated 4/28/2023

The patient has the right, subject to his or her consent, to receive the visitors, whom he or she designates, including, but not limited to a spouse, a domestic partner, another family member, or a friend. The patient has the right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time. Patients may also designate a representative/support person.

While there are no specific visiting hours, the following guidelines are recommended in order to protect patient safety:

• In order to promote a healing environment, quiet hours are observed 8:30 pm – 6 am.
• A list of names of visitors who can obtain information will be listed and kept at the nursing desk for staff reference. This will include the patient’s representative.
• Smoking or other use of tobacco products is not allowed in patient care areas, in the hospital, or on hospital grounds. The tobacco-free policy is enforced. See Management Policy T-11 of Tobacco Products Use.
• Persons who have colds, upper respiratory infections or the flu are discouraged from visiting. If they do visit, they should limit the length of their visit and wear a mask the entire time. Persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days are not allowed to visit.
• Any patient photography, audio/video recording, and other imaging by patients and visitors requires permission of the patient prior to being recorded and must be limited to the patient’s assigned room. Devices should be focused on the patient and care should be taken that it cannot capture other patients, patient care activities or Aspirus St. Luke's staff members. Patient photography, audio/video recording, and other imaging by patients and visitors is not allowed while the patient is undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic intervention or consultation.
• Latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital. They may present a choking hazard for young children or cause allergic reactions with patients or staff that may be sensitive to latex.
• Overnight stays in the patient’s room is discouraged but can be accommodated with the approval of the Charge Nurse.
• Children under 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Unit-Specific Information

• Emergency Department: 2 visitors at a time.
• 3 West Mental Health Visitors: Visitors will be coordinated on a person-by-person basis pending the construction completion of a public therapeutic visiting environment.
• 4N Pediatric Visitors: Parents are welcome to stay with their child 24 hours a day. Overnight stay (20:00 – 08:00) can be accommodated for parent(s) or guardian.
  • To support a quiet environment, minimize stress and prevent pediatric patients from becoming overwhelmed or exhausted, which can delay the healing process.
  • No more than 3 visitors allowed at one time, including parent/guardian due to space limitations.
• ICU: Flowers are not allowed in the ICU. Gifts are discouraged while patients are in the ICU.
• 8 West Inpatient Rehab Visitors: To ensure patients are able to focus on their rehab sessions, social visitors are allowed Monday – Friday, 3:30-8:30 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 12:30-8:30 pm. (Note: Individuals who will be involved in caring for the patient after discharge are welcome to visit/attend therapy sessions throughout the patient’s stay.)

There may be situations where limitations of visiting is necessary. These include but are not limited to the following situations:

• Infection control issues
• Visitation that interferes with the care or confidentiality of other patients
• Visitor(s) have brought or otherwise attempted to bring contraband into the hospital
• The hospital is aware that there is an existing court order restricting contact
• Visitors engage in offensive, disruptive, threatening, sexual, or violent behavior of any kind
• The patient or patient’s roommate(s) need rest or privacy
• The patient is undergoing care interventions. Staff will try to accommodate the needs of any patient who requests that at least one visitor be allowed to remain in the room to provide support and comfort at such times.