Visitor Policy Guidelines at Morton Hospital
Morton Hospital recognizes the important role that visitors play in the care of hospitalized patients. Morton Hospital makes every attempt to allow visitors without restriction.
You as the patient, and or your designated support person have the right to accept or decline visitors. Visitors may include, but are not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including same sex partner), family members, and friends. You may withdraw your consent for visitors at any time during your stay.
Visitors may be limited or restricted only when visitation would interfere with the care of the patient and/or the care of other patients.
The following are example of circumstances that could result in the hospital imposing restrictions or limiting visitors:
- A court order limiting or restraining contact
- Behavior presenting a direct risk or threat to a patient
- Behavior disruptive of the functioning of the patient care unit
- Reasonable limitations on the number of visitor at any one time
- Patient’s risk of infection by a visitor
- Visitor’s risk of infection by the patient
- Extraordinary protections because of pandemic or infectious disease outbreak
- Substance abuse treatment protocols requiring restricted visitation
- Patient’s need for privacy and rest
- Need for privacy and rest by another individual(s) sharing the room
Please ask your nurse or doctor about any visitation restrictions that may apply during your visit.
Important Information About Visiting
Morton Hospital is fully prepared to care for our patients and community. We remain ready to serve all of your health care needs and have taken the necessary steps to ensure patients can receive care in a safe environment.
Visitor Policy
(Effective 5/15/23)
To best ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, visitor restrictions are currently in place:
Inpatient Visitors
All Units
Each patient may have two (2) visitors at a time. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances such as end-of-life care.
Elder Behavioral Health Services (EBHS) Unit
Appointments are required and must be made in advance for visitation.
Intensive Care Unit Visitors
The Intensive Care team at Morton Hospital wants to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families.
At times, visiting guidelines may be individualized at the care team’s discretion.
Please help us achieve this goal by observing the following guidelines.
Visiting Hours and Guidelines
Two visitors at a time are welcome between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors in the ICU must be 16 years of age or older. Exceptions may be made for end-of-life situations. If you are unable to visit during these hours, accomodations an be made by contacting our department.
Designated Contact Person
One person should be the designated contact person. They will be given a 4-digit code to call and get updates on the patient. The staff will also contact this person regarding any significant changes with the patient.
For patient privacy and HIPPA regulations please do not share the 4-digit code. The ICU staff would like to keep consistency in communicating with one designated person.
During Your Visit
To respect the privacy of our patients you may be asked to step off the unit during your visit and we will let you return to the unit as soon as possible.
Items Not Allowed on the Unit
No food or drink may be brought onto the unit.
Unfortunately, flowers are also not permitted on the unit.
Emergency Department Visitors
Each patient may have two (2) visitors at a time.
Guests of patients: for your health and wellness, and to avoid overcrowding of our ER waiting room, please consider waiting in your vehicle or visiting our cafeteria while not visiting and until your loved one is seen and discharged home.
Outpatient Visitors
Guests or family members may accompany each patient to their outpatient appointments. We ask that the number of guests are limited to avoid overcrowding of our waiting areas.
While at the Hospital
All visitors, outpatients and outpatient companions must:
- Visitors: check in at the desk to confirm the patient's location and be notified of any visitor restrictions.
- Refer to signage at the hospital entrances for the latest guidance and policies.
- Masks are no longer required but are available to any patient or visitor who chooses to wear one.
- Perform hand hygiene upon entering the hospital, and support social distancing when inside the facility.
- We encourage family members and friends to use alternative ways to interact with their loved ones, including phone calls, Facetime and Skype.
Hospital Entrances
Main Entrance
Morton Hospital main entrance is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
After 5 p.m., patients presenting for outpatient appointments or visitors for inpatients should enter through the emergency department entrance
Main entrance hours may vary on holidays and weekends.
Emergency Department
Morton Hospital emergency department entrance is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.