ICU Visitor Information

Visiting Hours
The ICU is open for visiting between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 p.m., and again from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 am. We are closed for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening to allow for privacy as the nurses are giving shift report and patients are being bathed and assessed. Exceptions are made for certain circumstances at the Charge nurse's discretion, such as when a patient is admitted or when a loved one is dying. We ask that there be no more than 2 or 3 visitors in a room at one time. We thank you for your visit!

Cell phone use
Cell phone use by visitors is not permitted in the ICU. Please turn your phones to vibrate and take your calls in the waiting areas. A serious privacy concern arises when patients are photographed without their knowledge with cell phone cameras. Absolutely no cameras are allowed in the ICU.

Children
Children over the age of 13 are allowed to visit with adult supervision. The ICU can be a very confusing and at times, traumatic place to visit, so children should be prepared before being brought into the patient's room.

Privacy
Our walls are glass to allow the nurses a direct view of their patients at all times. Please respect our patients' privacy by not lingering in the hallways during your visit. Family conversations should take place either in the patient room or in the waiting room. Your nurse can arrange a private place for a family conference if needed. Outside food and beverages are not permitted in patient rooms. Meals and snacks should be eaten in the cafeteria or the waiting areas.

Pets
In special circumstances, and with the physician's approval, pets may visit for short periods of time. A special consent and release is required before the visit, so be sure to check with the nurse.

Personal Belongings
Please send any extra personal belongings home with your family or friends to avoid lost articles. Keep only what is necessary, such as glasses or dentures. We can provide you with pajamas, slippers, robe, and personal care items.

Flowers
Our infectious disease specialist has recommended there be no flowers in patient rooms, due to the presence of tiny bugs on the flowers and potential allergens. You may leave bouquets at the front desk in ICU until the patient is discharged from the ICU, or take a picture of them for the patient and then take them home. We recommend cards, photos, and balloons for ICU get-well wishes.