Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital

Information for hospital visitors

The hospitals of Ascension Florida support patient-centered care and recognize that a healing environment includes the emotional, spiritual, and physical support of their loved ones. We provide a place of healing that’s private, safe and secure for visitors, employees, and patients.

Family, friends and representatives of patients are encouraged to visit and provide support during the patient’s hospital stay. We welcome loved ones to come see you while you are in the hospital. 

Visitors are encouraged to visit between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. We recommend that only two people visit at one time. In most cases and with patient approval, one responsible adult (18 years or older) is allowed to stay overnight. 

We also will permit two visitors to stay with a patient in our ERs, ORs and procedural areas. 

If a patient is in isolation, visitors must follow the instructions provided in Infection Control policies and as instructed by the isolation signage.

The hospital may restrict visitation of a person or limit the duration of visits or the number of visitors under certain circumstances.

Any visitor with symptoms of COVID-19 or visitor who has been exposed to COVID-19 and advised to quarantine, will not be allowed to enter the facility.

If you are visiting a patient infected with COVID-19, check with the nurse prior to your arrival for instructions on infection prevention and personal protective equipment.

Visitation policies are subject to change. Additional rules for visitation are listed below. Please call 850-769-1511 for the latest information. 

Distancing, masks and hand washing

Anyone over age 6 is required to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times—including in patient’s rooms, regardless of COVID-19 vaccine status. Please bring your own mask or one will be provided. We will continue to provide masks to those who enter our doors without a mask.

We continue to prevent overcrowding in waiting rooms. In some locations, there will be signs for restricted seating. 

All visitors are asked to wash their hands before entering or exiting patient rooms.

Calling to check on your family member

We recommend designating one family member to be responsible for getting updates on your loved one. If you are calling to check on a patient’s condition or treatment, please have the patient’s PIN number available. The PIN number is provided at the patient’s discretion. We are not able to release any information to those calling who do not have the PIN. This is to protect the patient’s privacy. To speak to the patient’s nurse, please call 850-769-1511 and give the operator the patient’s room number. The operator will connect you to the appropriate floor for an update.

Additional visitation policy details

Family, friends and representatives of the patients are encouraged to visit and provide support during the patient’s hospital stay. Patients and families will be informed of visiting hours and rules upon admission to the unit. Visitors are welcome unless their presence interferes with others’ rights, safety, or is medically contraindicated. In general, patients have the right to identify an Essential Caregiver to be available during the course of their stay. Certain speciality areas have additional rules for visitation that are listed below.

The patient may verbally designate, withdraw, or deny anyone as an approved visitor at any time. The hospital will not restrict, limit, or otherwise deny visitation privileges based upon race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. The Hospital will ensure that all visitors enjoy full and equal visitation privileges consistent with the patient’s preferences and will respect patients’ rights to restrict or refuse visitors.

Nursing and Security are responsible for administering this policy. Questions regarding visitation can be directed to the House Supervisor.

Definitions:

Essential Caregiver:A patient designated visitor who will be available to the patient during their stay. The Essential Caregiver is not required or expected to provide any necessary care to the patient. The individual may or may not be the patient’s surrogate decision maker or legally authorized representative. At any time, the patient has the right to change the designation of his or her Essential Caregiver and is not required to keep the same individual for the duration of his or her hospitalization.

Hospital: A hospital facility that is a part of Ascension Florida. Such facilities include: St. Vincent’s Southside, Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf, and Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola.

Visitation of COVID-19 patients:

• Visitation for COVID-19 patients in Inpatient Units, Emergency Rooms and Clinics is authorized. All visitors for positive COVID-19 patients must wear a mask and eye protection. All isolation precautions must be followed by all visitors. Care team members must instruct visitors on how to appropriately put on and remove personal protective equipment prior to the visit.

Visitation guidelines

1. In general, visitors are encouraged to visit between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. For the comfort of patients and visitors, it is recommended that only two persons visit at one time.
2. A person designated as the Essential Caregiver may visit for two hours in-person in addition to any other allowed visitation.
3. In-person visitation will be allowed in all of the following circumstances unless the patient objects:
1. End-of-life situations.
2. A patient who was living with family before being admitted to the provider’s care is struggling with the change in environment and lack of in-person family support.
3. The patient is making one or more major medical decisions.
4. A patient is experiencing emotional distress or grieving the loss of a friend or family member who recently died.
5. A patient needs cueing or encouragement to eat or drink which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver.
6. A patient who used to talk and interact with others is seldom speaking.
7. Childbirth, including labor and delivery.
8. Pediatric patients.
4. The Hospital may find it necessary to restrict visitation of a specific person or limit the duration of visits and/or the number of visitors under certain circumstances. Considerations include:
   1. Visitors are required to follow Hospital policies. Hospital may suspend in-person visitation of a specific visitor if the visitor violates Hospital policies and procedures. Examples of potential policy violations may include but are not limited to: violent and/or threatening behavior, conduct that is disruptive to the unit, behavior that interferes with treatment, and refusal to wear appropriate PPE. In the event an Essential Caregiver’s visitation is restricted due to policy violations, the patient will be given the opportunity to designate a new Essential Caregiver.
   2. A legal court order limiting or restraining contact.
   3. Behavior risks or threats to patients, hospital staff, or others in the immediate environment.
   4. Behavior disruptive to the functioning of the patient care unit.
   5. Prisoners are subject to the authority of the local jurisdiction and are not allowed visitors unless specifically authorized by the Prison Warden and arranged through Hospital Security.
   6. When a sterile environment is needed, visitors may be asked to leave the room temporarily.
   7. Patient’s need for privacy or rest.
   8. Need for privacy or rest by another individual in the patient’s shared room.
   9. When a patient is undergoing a clinical intervention or procedure and the treating health care professional believes it is in the patient’s best interest to limit visitation during the clinical intervention or procedure.
   10. Violations of hospital policy:
5. Due to the size of the patient rooms, one responsible adult (18 years or older) will be allowed to stay overnight. Any guest visiting between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. will be required to register with security.
6. Consensual physical contact (ex. hand holding and hugging) is allowed between patient and visitor.
7. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, other than the patient, at all times. It is asked that the adult supervisor ensure that the visiting children do not disturb other patients. Any problems occurring with rowdiness of visiting children may result in asking the supervising adult to remove the children.
8. Visitors are allowed in the Waiting Areas at all times.
9. Visitors of patients in isolation must follow the instructions provided in Infection Control policies and as instructed by the isolation signage. Visitors under the age of 12 may be restricted from visiting patients in isolation. For the safety of the patient and the employees, visitors who fail to comply with isolation protocols may have visitation privileges suspended.
10. Visitors exhibiting any signs or symptoms of infection and/or illness are encouraged to avoid visiting hospitalized patients. Symptoms of illness could include, but are not limited to: cough, fever, runny nose, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or sore throat.
11. Security should be contacted immediately if:
1. The visitor is threatening, disruptive, abusive or intoxicated.
2. The visitor is believed to be bringing in contraband.
3. The visitor or visitation is interfering with the treatment or care of the patient.

Specialty unit guidelines

The following patient care areas are locked for the security and privacy of our patients. Access is granted by communication with the healthcare team.

1. Critical Care Units
   • Visitors at the bedside are limited per the patient's status.
   • 2 visitors (rotating) at a time and one overnight visitor after 9 pm.
   • No visitors under the age 12 unless specific end-of-life situations.
1.  Intensive Care Unit
2. Emergency Department
1. Visitation may be limited due to patient care needs and department census.
3. Procedural Areas (Pre-Op, Recovery, Diagnostics, etc.)
1. Visitation for adult patients may vary based on patient condition and needs.
2. Parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) of pediatric patients will be identified and provided an armband prior to the procedure. Parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) will be allowed to visit the pediatric patient as soon as the procedure ends and the patient is stable.
4. Labor and Delivery
   1. Visitor passes will be provided to and given out by the patient to the four additional visitors the patient wishes to have while the patient is in Labor and Delivery.
   2. Upon admission, the patient designated support person will be provided with an armband.
   3. Additional visitors are granted as per the patient’s request, up to a recommended maximum of five total visitors at one time.
   4. In triage and during the assessment period, visitation may be limited to one person.
   5. Visitors under the age of 12 are restricted unless the visitor is the child or step-child of the patient.
5. Postpartum/Mother-Baby
1. Sibling visitation regardless of age will be permitted at the discretion of the patient.
2. Unlimited visitation will be at the discretion of the patient.
6. Pediatric
1. In their absence, the parent or legal guardian may designate another responsible adult (recommended 21 years or older) as the support person.
7. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
1. Visitors at the bedside are limited per the patient’s status. Four visitors are allowed at a time but may be restricted if needed.
2. Each family member and visitor will be required to sign-in upon arrival and out when leaving.
3. Only one person can sleep in the room at a time. Minors may not stay overnight. Exceptions may be made in end-of-life situations.
8. Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery
1. Two adults (mother and support person) will receive an armband matching the baby’s armband. The mother may designate additional persons that may visit at the discretion of the facilities.
2. Sibling visitation may be limited at the discretion of the healthcare team.
3. No visitors under the age of 2 are permitted except for discharged siblings of multiples.

Cafés & vending machines

Ascension St. Vincent's Southside

The Café is located on the ground floor by the visitor elevators and is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Coffee Shop is located on the first floor by the information desk and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Vending machines are located in the waiting room of the Emergency Room and in the Café.

Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside

The Sister Margaret Mary Dillon Restaurant is located in the Dillon Building just past Registration. It is open Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. for lunch and dinner. On weekends it is open 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for our lunch. It offers an array of meal choices, a large salad bar and is home to a Chick-fil-A (not open on weekends).

Subway is located in the Dillon building just past Registration. It is open daily from 6 a.m. – midnight. It is closed on major holidays.

Coffee Shop (next to Subway) featuring Starbucks Coffee and fresh baked goods. Open Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Berg's Bistro is located in the DePaul building with beautiful river views and outdoor seating options. Berg's is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County

The Café is located on the first floor by the visitor elevators and is open from 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 7 days a week.

The Coffee Shop is located in the medical mall by the gift shop and is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Vending machines are located in the waiting room of the Emergency Room and outside the Café.

Gift Shop information

Gift Shop at Ascension St. Vincent's Southside
Hours of operation
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Order by phone: 904-296-5905

Gift Shop at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside
Hours of operation
Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday : 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Order by phone: 904-308-8306

Gift Shop at Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County
Hours of operation
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Order by phone: 904-602-1348