Visitation Philosophy

Patient and resident care is our number one priority, and Winona Health has a patient/resident-focused approach to welcoming visitors. Patients and residents can accept visitors based on what they feel is best for their overall health and well-being.

  • Visitation will be based on each patient’s unique needs and physical status.
  • Families are encouraged to use discretion and judgment when visiting patients.
  • Children, grandchildren, and friends of the patient, regardless of age, are permitted brief and quiet visits.
  • If possible, please designate one family member to call the department for the patient’s condition.
  • The nursing staff may limit your visit or ask you to come back later if that is in the best interest of the patient.
  • It is preferred that there no more than three visitors per patient at one time.
  • If you have a fever or cough, please refrain from visiting. If it is necessary that you visit, please ask for a mask before entering the patient’s room.
  • Only two people may visit in a room at a time.
  • All visitors need to check in the Switchboard in the main lobby to obtain a visitor badge. Visitors need to have photo identification in their possession to receive a visitor badge. The visitor badge must be visible at all times while in the facility.
  • One adult may stay overnight, but must be checked in through security and obtain a visitor badge by 8:30 p.m. Overnight visitors are permitted only in the patient’s room or in the patient’s floor visitor lounge. Overnight visitors will not be permitted re-entry to the hospital after 9:00 p.m.
  • Visitors may be asked to leave during change of shift and physician rounds to maintain confidentiality and privacy, unless otherwise requested by the patient. Visitors may also be asked to leave for other reasons based on the discretion of the healthcare team.
  • Visitors may be issued masks or other protective clothing for use when visiting. Visitors who do not wear this protective clothing in accordance with instructions will be asked to leave.
  • Smoking is not permitted within any of the hospital’s buildings.
  • Cell phones may be used in the hospital but can be a distraction to the delivery of good care. For this reason cell phone use is discouraged especially in critical care areas including the Emergency Care Center or Intensive Care. When using your cell phone, please be respectful of others and the need for privacy. Also, do not take pictures of patients, visitors or others without their permission. The hospital is not responsible for cell phones that are lost or misplaced.
  • Be a part of our team effort to prevent infections. Wash your hands frequently or use the waterless hand sanitizer available in all patient care areas.
  • Room number information is available at the Information Desk, which is located in the front lobby, or by calling the switchboard at 507.454.3650. Patients have the right under federal law to ask NOT to be included in the patient listing/hospital directory. If a patient elects NOT to be included in the patient listing/hospital directory, we will not disclose that he is here to people asking for him at the Information Desk or calling by phone. Patients who asked NOT to be included in the directory and have changed their minds can let their nurses know, and can then be added to the directory.

Visiting Hours

Visitors are important to our patients as they can enhance the recovery process. Visiting hours will be enforced to respect the privacy and ensure the recovery of our patients. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping us keep the hospital environment quiet and tranquil as possible to enhance the healing process.

Visiting hours are 24 hours and limited to two visitors. For health reasons, we discourage children from visiting the Emergency Department but understand that this is not always possible. Please ask for more specific guidelines when visiting the Emergency Department.

Our Family Birth Center works to create a healing and comfortable environment for our patients. The health and well-being of our new mothers and newborns is our number one priority. To ensure the mother and newborn receive the care they need, it may become necessary for the number of the mother’s visitors to be limited. In order to create a safe and healing environment, we ask all who enter the Family Birth Center to respect the following guidelines:

  • Visiting hours for the Family Birth Center are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • We restrict the number of visitors to 4 at one time. Visitors under the age of 12 are limited to the siblings of the newborn.
  • Following birth, the first hour is what we call the “Golden Hour”. We encourage this time to be for the bonding between the mother and newborn.
    During this time, only the support people present for delivery will be allowed.
  • We ask that visitors check in at the Family Birth Center nurses’ station and wear a visitor badge.
  • The mother’s designated significant other/support person will receive a unique identification band after delivery. This band should not be removed until discharge as it identifies you as an important member of the newborn’s family.
  • To ensure privacy and respect of all patients, we encourage any family members not present in the delivery room to wait at home or outside Winona Health for the arrival of the newborn.

  • Immediate Family Only (ages 12 and over):
  • Adults:  8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • Overnight Stays: One adult is permitted to stay. Please see charge nurse for details.

  • Adults: 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

  • Parents: 24 hours a day (one parent may remain overnight)
  • Siblings must be accompanied and supervised by an adult: 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • All Other Visitors (adults only): 8:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Residents may have visitors any time.

Residents may have visitors at any time. Family members must notify staff when they take residents on outings.

Residents may have visitors any time. The doors are secured at Senior Living at Watkins from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. If arriving after 7 p.m., visitors must request access to building via phone provided in lobby entrance. Please ring the bell and the door will be opened for you.

*NOTE: All visiting hours and restrictions are subject to change.

  • People who are recovering or not feeling well need extra rest.
  • People with colds, sore throats or any contagious diseases should postpone their visit.
  • Winona Health’s main campus and all affiliates are tobacco-free areas. E-cigarettes are not permitted.
  • Shirts and shoes are required.

Patient & Visitor Resources