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« Patients & Guests

Visiting Hours

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

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

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 facilities.

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.

  • Having the support of your family and friends is an important part of the healing process. While we do our best to accommodate those visiting our hospital, the well-being and safety of our patients is our number one concern.
  • At St. Joseph's, we provide a "healing environment" that doesn't restrict visiting hours to specific times. Therefore, our new visiting hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We want our patients to have family and friends visit them as much as possible so that they enjoy their time at St. Joseph's Hospital.
  • Emergency Room patients are allowed 2 visitors at a time in the room and others may wait in designated waiting areas.

Calling a patient

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 Highland at 618-651-2600. 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.