HSHS St. John's Hospital updates visitor guidelines

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Beginning Wednesday, November 24, HSHS St. John’s Hospital will allow two visitors per patient.

Visitors will still be required to follow hospital-specific processes for entry into the facility, including a temperature check and a screening for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.

Medical grade masks (non-cloth) remain mandatory, and visitors must be 18 or older, unless they are the parent of a child receiving care.

No visitors will be allowed for patients under investigation for possible COVID-19 diagnosis and those confirmed positive for COVID-19.

A detailed list of updated hospital guidelines for specific areas withing the facility are as follows:

Emergency department:

Adult patient: Two visitors who must remain in the patient’s room for duration of visit.
Pediatric patient: Two parents and/or guardians who must stay in the patient’s room for duration of visit.

Inpatient units:

Adult inpatients: Two visitors per patient per day during the hours of 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Pediatric inpatients: Two parents or guardians allowed.
Women and infants center: Two support persons during delivery who must remain the same for the duration of the hospital stay.
NICU patients: Two parents allowed. Individuals must remain the same for the duration of the hospital stay. Two people are allowed in the room at once.
End-of-life patients: Two visitors per patient per day. Please call the hospital (217-544-6464) for guidance in specific situations.

Surgery (inpatient and outpatient):

Two visitors in the waiting room only for the duration of the surgical procedure.

Outpatient diagnostic and therapy services:

Two visitors may accompany the patient or wait in designated waiting areas.
Patients receiving outpatient services are encouraged to come alone whenever possible or have visitors wait outside until services are complete.

Patients with intellectual and/or developmental disability or cognitive impairments: