(EFFINGHAM, IL) – With the spike in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases throughout Illinois including the southern Illinois region, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is no longer allowing visitors to the hospital effective at noon today, March 19, and the hospital’s lobby will be closed. Loved ones can be checked on by calling the hospital at 217-342-2121. Family and support persons should make sure to provide the nursing staff with their contact information.
The following exceptions to the “no visitor” policy are as follows:
- Obstetrical patients are allowed ONE (1) support person who needs to be the same throughout the stay.
- Pediatric inpatients under the age of 18 are allowed ONE (1) parent or guardian.
- Patients seeking emergency services or those having surgery are allowed one support person who may not be under the age of 18 unless they are the parent.
- Those reporting for outpatient services should ask their support person to wait in the car until they are alerted that the testing is complete.
The hospital’s Prairie Heart Institute at St. Anthony’s entrance is open only for outpatients from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Emergency entrance is only for emergency and obstetric patients. Obstetric patients who need to access the hospital after 5 p.m. should do so through the emergency entrance.
Dr. Ryan Jennings, Chief Medical Officer, shared, “We understand that this restriction of no visitors is extremely difficult, especially for those who have loved ones in the hospital with severe health issues. But along with many other hospitals across the nations, we are taking this step to keep our patients, staff and community as safe as possible.
HSHS St. Anthony’s thanks everyone for their understanding and assistance in keeping their patients, colleagues and community safe.
For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.
