Please note our new visitation policies due to the increased prevalence of H1N1 in our community:

• Those under the age of 15 will not be allowed to visit patients at St. Francis Hospitals in Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville.
• Visitors entering the hospitals will be asked to stop at designated stations (located at marked entry ways and near emergency departments) and fill out a brief health assessment, asking if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Those answering “yes” or displaying such symptoms will not be allowed to visit patients or enter any part of the hospital.
• Visitors passing the health assessment will receive an identification sticker to wear at all times.

These policies are in effect as of Oct. 15, 2009.

At St. Francis, we strive to care for the total person—body, mind and spirit. As the family member or friend of a patient, you play an important role in the healing process, offering love, support and encouragement.

The information here will help make sure your visit is peaceful, personal and tailored to your loved one’s needs.

Visiting Hours

Visitors are welcome in most hospital units between 2 and 8 p.m. daily. Please know that visiting hours are designed to let you enjoy quality time with your love one—while ensuring that our patients get all the treatment, rest and care they need.

To serve our patients, visits may be limited in these special units:

• Cardiac Care
• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Cardiac Surgery
• Intensive Care
• Patient Anesthesia Recovery.

For visiting hours in these areas, call (317) 783-8176.

During Your Visit

Before, during and after your visit, you are invited to take advantage of these St. Francis amenities:

• Cafeteria: Our cafeterias serve up tasty hot and cold meals, beverages and snacks. Click here for cafeteria hours.
• Gift shop: Cheer up your loved one with flowers, gifts, cards, magazines and more from the St. Francis Gift Shops. Click here for gift shop hours.
• Inn at St. Francis: Need a place to stay while your loved one is in our care? Check into the Inn at St. Francis, located on the Indianapolis campus. Patients also may stay here while transitioning from hospital to home. Click here for information.
• Security: If you need parking lot assistance, driving directions or general help, just ask a member of our security team.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in most patient and waiting areas. Visitors are welcome to connect their laptop computers, PDAs and other WiFi-capable to our “guestnet” wireless network. To access guestnet, you must agree to these usage terms and conditions.

Tips for a Great Visit

To make each visit enjoyable, consider these helpful tips:

• Give your loved one a call before you visit so that he or she has a little time to prepare. Ask if the patient needs anything from home, like a book, note cards or other personal items.
• Knock on the patient’s door and wait for an invitation before entering.
• If you normally would shake hands or hug, do so. Warm feelings work wonders when someone is in the hospital.
• If the patient feels well enough, check with a nurse to see if it’s OK to take a walk or ride in a wheelchair. The change of scenery can be refreshing.

If you’re visiting with children, keep in mind these special tips:

• Prepare kids beforehand by discussing what they’ll see and do at the hospital.
• Get children involved by having them draw a picture or bring a small gift for the patient.
• Supervise children at all times, and keep noise levels at a minimum on patient units.

Smoking Policy

Our campuses are entirely smoke-free to provide a healthy environment for all patients, personnel, volunteers, physicians and service representatives. Smoking is not allowed in any hospital building or on hospital property, including sidewalks and parking lots.