Visiting Guidelines

The following visiting guidelines for the Level III NICU at Saint Francis Medical Center are designed to protect your baby's health/safety and preserve your family's right to privacy.

• Check in at the front desk before visiting.
• All visitors will be asked to leave during shift changes from 7 to 7:30 am and from 7 to 7:30 pm.
• Special circumstances in the nursery may require the Level III NICU staff to limit visitation.
• Parents are encouraged to visit their baby as much as possible.
• Family members and friends may visit but must be accompanied by a parent.
• Arrangements can be made for special visitors – someone who has your permission to visit at any of the designated times without you. Names of special visitors must be given to the nursing staff so they can be added to your baby's care plan. Because special visitors may visit your baby without you, please give careful consideration to whom you designate as a special visitor. Medical information about your baby will only be given to parents.
• Nursing staff may limit visitation if your baby's condition changes.
• No more than two visitors at one time at your baby's bedside.
• Your baby's siblings (age 2 and older) are welcome to visit. Please notify your baby's nurse in advance and limit visit length according to your child's ability to sit at the bedside quietly. We will ask you to complete a Children's Visitation Health Screening Form before each visit.
• All visitors are required to wash their hands thoroughly each time they enter the NICU.
• Visit the nursery in good health – leave colds, fevers and illnesses at home. All babies have an immature immune system and minor illnesses in adults can make infants extremely ill.
• Parents are encouraged to call the nursery frequently to check their baby's condition. A toll free number is provided to parents for long distance calls.
• For protection and confidentiality, no information about babies will be given to anyone other than parents. Family and friends will need to contact the parents for information on the baby's health.