Visiting Hours & Guidelines
At Holy Cross Health, we recognize the vital role that family, friends, and loved ones play in a patient’s healing process. Our visitor policy is designed to balance the importance of support with the need for patient privacy, safety, and rest.
We are committed to a culture of inclusion where all individuals—regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability—are welcomed, valued, and celebrated.
Mission and Core Values
Our visitor guidelines align with Holy Cross Health’s Core Values, which include:
• Reverence – Respect for the dignity of every person.
• Commitment to Those Experiencing Poverty – Prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable.
• Safety – Ensuring a secure and supportive environment.
• Justice – Fair treatment and advocacy for all.
• Stewardship – Responsible management of resources.
• Integrity – Upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Person-Centered Care – Focusing on the unique needs of each patient.
General Visitor Guidelines
To support our commitment to compassionate care and patient well-being, Holy Cross Health has established the following visitor guidelines:
• Visiting Hours: Recommended between 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM to ensure patients receive adequate rest.
• Main Entrance Hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
• After-Hours Access: After 8:00 PM, visitors must enter through the Emergency Department and obtain a guest badge from Security.
• Visitor Identification: All visitors must check in at the lobby welcome desk, present photo identification, and wear a guest badge.
Health & Safety Precautions
• Visitors should be free of illness and should not enter if experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• During periods of high COVID-19 transmission, visitors may be screened at the hospital entrance. Masks may be required and will be provided as needed.
• Visitors must follow infection prevention measures, including proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing).
Number of Visitors
• Maximum of three (3) visitors per patient at a time. Additional visitors may wait in the main lobby.
• Overnight visitation is discouraged, but exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Overnight visitors must:
• Be at least 18 years old and fully capable of caring for themselves.
• Be respectful of the patient’s rest and privacy.
• Remain non-disruptive—any disruptive behavior may result in removal from the premises.
Special Circumstances & Considerations
Holy Cross Health fully complies with Florida’s No Patient Left Alone Act, ensuring visitation in the following circumstances (unless the patient objects):
• End-of-life situations.
• Patients struggling with the transition from home to hospital care.
• Patients making major medical decisions.
• Patients experiencing emotional distress or grief.
• Patients needing assistance with eating, drinking, or communication.
• Pediatric patients.
Children & Visitation
• Children may visit under adult supervision and must be free of illness.
• Visits by children in critical care units are subject to nurse approval and the patient’s condition.
• Children should never be left unattended with a patient.
Visitor Conduct & Security Measures
To ensure a safe and healing environment:
• Visitors must adhere to hospital policies and respect all patients, staff, and hospital property.
• Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Visitors who compromise patient care or safety may be asked to leave.
• Security measures include:
• Visitor badges for all guests.
• Surveillance in common areas.
• Monitoring of hospital access points.
• Secure workstation privacy protocols for staff.
If a visitor is impaired or poses a security risk, staff should notify Security immediately.
Vendor & Delivery Personnel
• Vendors/contractors must schedule appointments and wear a vendor pass.
• Delivery personnel will be stopped at the entrance, and the recipient must retrieve the delivery.
Commitment to Patient Privacy
Holy Cross Health upholds strict confidentiality policies to protect patient information. Any violation of patient confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, termination, or legal consequences under applicable law.
Compliance & Enforcement
All Holy Cross Health colleagues must be familiar with and adhere to this policy. The Director of Patient Experience oversees compliance and enforcement.
For questions or concerns regarding visitor policies, please contact the Patient Experience Department or speak with a hospital representative.
Holy Cross Health is dedicated to fostering a compassionate, safe, and inclusive healthcare environment for all patients and visitors.