When I Am Visiting
What are the visiting hours?
We have an “open door” visiting policy for families - this means that (with a few exceptions) you can visit whenever you want.Rest and sleep are very important for patients in ICUs. So, we may ask you to limit your visits. And short visits are better than long visits.
The nurses change shifts at these times:
- 7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
- 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- 11 p.m. - midnight
Who can visit?
Visiting is generally limited to immediate family members and significant others. Also, we ask that no more than 3 people visit at a time.Children under 12 are allowed to visit only if our nursing staff has approved it. Please talk to your nurse about this.
How do I enter the Intensive Care Unit?
It is important that you let us know you are here. When you get to the ICU waiting area, pick up the phone on the wall - you will be connected to the nurses’ station.Most of the time, we will let you right in. If we are busy with your loved one, we may ask you to wait in our Waiting Room for a few minutes.
To get into the ICU, go around the corner to the double doors. DO NOT PUSH THEM OPEN. Instead, push the BIG BUTTON behind and to the RIGHT of the doors and it will open them.
Can I stay overnight?
Unfortunately, overnight stays in the patient’s room or the waiting room are not permitted.(Parents of critically ill children are permitted to spend the night.)
Can I send flowers?
Flowers carry pollen and bacteria - and can make your loved one’s illness worse. So, flowers are not allowed. Please discourage people from sending them. Balloons and posters good alternatives and are allowed.
What about cell phones and computers?
Cell phones and laptop computers can interfere with heart monitors and other important medical equipment. They are not allowed in the hospital. Also, please make sure that they are turned off when you are visiting.If you need a phone, there are pay phones right outside the doors to the ICU and also in the Main Lobby of the hospital.
What about calling the hospital?
When you are not here, you can call us to ask about how your loved one is doing. If possible, one person in the family should act as a spokesperson in order to give the nurses maximum time with the patient. That person should tell everyone else how the patient is doing that day.You can call anytime except PLEASE DO NOT CALL from 7 a.m. - 8 a.m., 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., or 11 p.m. - midnight. This is when our staff changes shifts, and it is a busy time.
Our number is (415) 925-7000. Call and ask the operator to connect you to the ICU.