Patients & Visitors
General Policies
This visiting policy applies to all SIH hospitals, including SIH Harrisburg Medical Center, SIH Herrin Hospital, SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and SIH St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. The goal is to enhance the overall safety and satisfaction of both patients and staff. Our SIH Visitor Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for visitors including maintaining a respectful and peaceful environment, adhering to infection control practices and prohibiting disruptive behavior.
Visiting hours for inpatient areas will be strictly enforced from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Due to a significant spike in flu cases, temporary visitor restrictions will take effect on Feb. 6, 2025, at all four SIH hospitals. This measure is aimed at protecting patients, families and staff during the heightened flu season.
- Visitation is limited to individuals ages 18 and older.
- Each patient may have no more than two visitors at a time.
- Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, etc.) is asked to refrain from visiting.
Possible exceptions include, but are not limited to, end-of-life care and OB experience. In these circumstances, the visitor must have approval from the patient’s nurse and undergo an evaluation to rule out flu-like symptoms.
For more information on these restrictions click here.
Rest and Healing hours will be observed from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. An overhead announcement will be made at 7:45 PM regarding the end of visiting hours and provide instructions for exiting the building.
Outside of these hours, patients may designate one support person. Additional considerations for special circumstances, such as, the birth of a baby, significant patient deterioration, end-of-life care or other emergencies can be arranged with a nursing manager or supervisor. All support persons are required to wear a visitor badge during rest and healing hours. (8:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
In outpatient settings, visitors will be limited to two per patient, and all visitors must adhere to the new visitor code of conduct.
