Having a loved one who is seriously ill is quite stressful for family members and we work hard to support families of patients in ICU or Progressive Care.  Patients and families are vital members of the health care team. Our goal is to provide a supportive, healing environment which meets the needs of both the patient and family.

Saint Francis Medical Center has open visitation throughout the facility so family members can visit anytime, as long as the patient’s condition allows.  It’s best for the patient to limit visitors to two to three people at a time. If visiting with small children, please keep visits short (3 to 5 minutes).

The nurse who is caring for your loved one will be able to give you updates on their condition.  Family members can call anytime day or night.  If you are able to call before or after our shift change, (6-7:30 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.) we can give you a more thorough update.

Tips for Families of Patients in ICU or Progressive Care

•  To help prevent potential confusion and miscommunication, it is often useful to choose a family spokesperson. This person can get updates from the nurses. As the family spokesperson, this family member should be sure to keep asking questions until he or she understands the answers well enough to accurately communicate them to the rest of the family and friends.
• When questions arise, write them down so you will not forget to ask the doctors when they round on family members in the morning.
• Create a list of nurses, doctors, and other staff members taking care of your family member.
• If there is one family member spending the majority of the time in the ICU with the patient, try to give that person a break every day.