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« Patients & Guests

Visiting Hours

Thank you for all that you do to keep our patients and colleagues safe. It is important to note that we have visitor restrictions in place for this very reason.

A patient is in bed with a loved one holding their hands A patient is in bed with a loved one holding their hands

Visiting Hours:

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | 7 days a week

Visitor restrictions are subject to change at any time to address the health needs of our communities in central and southern Illinois.

Wearing a mask is optional for most patients and visitors. Please understand that there are some exceptions when masking will still be required in our HSHS facilities in Illinois.

Masks are still required for patients and visitors who: 

  • May have respiratory illness, or symptoms similar to COVID or the flu.
  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID in the last 10 days.
  • Work or live in an area that is experiencing a COVID outbreak.
  • Visit or care for patients who are in isolation. 

Additionally, patients may request that anyone in their care team wear masks in certain situations and we will respect and honor their wishes.

As we continue to monitor community transmission levels of all respiratory illnesses, HSHS reserves the right to require masking at any time, should community transmission levels change.

Threatening or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. Our hospital is a safe and healing environment. Disruptive persons will be asked to leave our facility.

Visitor Considerations

Visitation in high-risk areas or for patients with communicable diseases will be at the discretion of department leadership. Similarly, departmental leadership may restrict the number of visitors at any point for the safety of patients and colleagues.

  • Visitor hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some areas of the hospital have different visiting hours. Please check with the appropriate department for specifics.
  • Patients are asked to welcome no more than two visitors at a time. Special arrangements for additional visitors may be made with a nurse.
  • Children under the age of four are discouraged from visiting in patient care areas, except for the Women and Infants Center, where sibling visitation is allowed.
  • Children under the age of 12 may not be left unattended and are restricted from isolation rooms and critical care.

If you know someone in the hospital, we do encourage you to call their room for a telephone visit, use your cell phones to text, call or video chat with them.  

Loved ones can be checked on by calling St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese at (618) 526-4511. An operator will connect you to patients’ rooms after you provide some information.  

Family and support persons should make sure to provide the nursing staff with their contact information. 

During Flu Season

During Flu season, St. Joseph’s Hospital may restrict visitors of hospitalized patients.

Children age 14 years and younger and anyone with flu like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and/or a cough should refrain from visiting at any time. If it is absolutely essential for a visitor with these symptoms to visit, kindly wear a mask which is provided at all public entrances of the hospital.

Please use hand sanitizer or soap and water to wash your hands before and after visiting a patient. Thank you for participating in the recommendations to protect your health and the health of the community.

We ask that you follow these simple courtesies during all visits:

  • Visitor hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some areas of the hospital have different visiting hours. Please check with the appropriate department for specifics.
  • Patients are asked to welcome no more than two visitors at a time. Special arrangements for additional visitors may be made with a nurse.
  • Children under the age of four are discouraged from visiting in patient care areas, except for the Women and Infants Center, where sibling visitation is allowed.
  • Children under the age of 12 may not be left unattended and are restricted from isolation rooms and critical care.
  • Visitors must be appropriately attired (shirts and shoes required) while on hospital property.

Smoking Policy

St. Joseph's Hospital campus and its affiliated medical buildings are tobacco-free and the use of tobacco products by employees, patients, medical staff, students, contracted personnel, auxiliary, volunteers, visitors, vendors and tenants is prohibited. This policy applies to all hospital owned and managed buildings, properties and grounds.

Considering Patient Privacy

St. Joseph’s appreciates visitors considerations of our patients’ right to privacy. At any time while visiting friends or loved ones, visitors may be asked to leave the patient room in order for the physician or nursing staff to privately discuss the patient’s care.