Visitors and Guests

Visitation Hours and Regulations

We understand the important role that visits from family and friends play in your recovery. For your safety and comfort as well as that of your family and visitors, the following general visitation guidelines are helpful:

Visiting Hours

General hospital visiting hours are from 9:00am to 9:00pm daily unless otherwise noted below.

MICU

  • 9:00 – 9:30 a.m.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
  • 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
  • 8:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

  • No visitation except for 2 parents/guardians of children under 12 years of age (at nurse’s discretion)

SICU

  • 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
  • 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
  • 8:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Visiting Regulations

  • Lobby entrance is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
  • Emergency entrance is open twenty-four hours a day.
  • Access to the Medical Center is limited after 9 p.m. Entry is available only through the emergency room entrance.
  • Persons with permission to spend the night will be issued an I.D. badge by the nursing unit. Badge color will change daily; therefore you should request a new badge for each night you plan to stay with the patient.
  • Semi-private room patients will be encouraged to have only two visitors at a time. These patients are limited to having one person spend the night. This individual must be the same sex as the patient, unless permission from the other patient is obtained.
  • Good Shepherd Medical Center and all Good Shepherd Medical Center facilities, inside and out, are tobacco-free environments. Because Good Shepherd Medical Center is committed to improving quality of life and providing safe and healthy surroundings for patients, visitors and employees, please refrain from tobacco use while visiting Good Shepherd Medical Center.
  • Nursing authorization is required for children under 10 years of age who are visiting patients in the Medical Center. (Exception: maternal/child where siblings are encouraged to visit.) Children in the Medical Center must have adult supervision at all times.
  • Children should not be left in waiting areas or patient rooms without supervision.
  • Visitation of children should be kept brief to allow patients adequate time for rest.

Patient’s Visitation Rights

Patients at Good Shepherd Medical Center have a right to be informed of his or her rights with regard to receiving visitors, including any clinical restriction or limitation on such rights. The patient has the right, based on his or her consent, to receive the visitors whom he or she designates. Visitors may include, but are not limited to a spouse, a domestic partner, another family member or friend. The patient has the right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time. Good Shepherd will not restrict, limit or otherwise deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Good Shepherd will ensure that all visitors designated by the patient (or representative, where appropriate) receive the same visitation privileges as those that immediate family members would receive.

Gifts for Patients

Good Shepherd Medical Center appreciates the joy flower and balloon arrangements bring to our patients and families during their hospitalization. We want to kindly remind our hospital visitors that latex (rubber) balloons should not be included in any arrangement.

The latex allergy is becoming more common through the general population and by eliminating latex balloons we are one step closer to ensuring the safety of our patients, families and staff at Good Shepherd. We strongly recommend including Mylar balloons in arrangements as a substitute.

As visitors, we thank you for continuing to bring happiness and joy to our patients through your time and gifts.

Visitors should check with the nurse before bringing gifts of food or drink to patients. Please check with the nurse to make sure your gift is appropriate. Intensive care patients are unable to accept gifts and flowers.

Parking

Parking for patients and visitors is primarily available south of the hospital. Non-emergency patients and visitors are encouraged to park in the southeast lot. Limited parking is also available near the north lobby entrance of the hospital. A free multi-level parking facility located adjacent to Medical Plaza III is available for patient and visitor parking Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. Patients and visitors are cautioned not to park in restricted spaces or designated areas. Please be sure to lock your car.

Waiting Areas

Waiting areas are available for visitors on each patient floor and on the main floor in the lobby. Specific waiting areas have been designated for families of patients in the critical care units, the emergency department and surgery. During certain hours, a volunteer is on duty to provide information.

Internet Hotspots

Internet hotspots are available in the following locations for the convenience of our visitors.

  • Main Lobby
  • Labor & Delivery Waiting Area
  • Medical Plaza Marketplace

Out-of-Town Visitors

Accommodations for relatives and visitors from out-of-town are available at nearby hotels. A map of hotels located close to the hospital is available at the Information Desk on the first floor. In addition, Bethany House, across the street from First Christian Church offers free accommodations when available. Arrangements can be made Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Volunteer Services at 903-315-2198 or 903-315-2199 for more information.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop, staffed by volunteers, is open from:

  • Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.*
  • Sunday 1 a.m. to 5 p.m.*
  • Weekend hours may vary.

Visit the Gift Shop to start shopping now!

Balloons, cards, flowers, plants, stuffed animals, candy bouquets and other unique gift items are available in the Gift Shop, as well as newspapers, magazines, snacks and personal care items. All proceeds from Gift Shop sales benefit Good Shepherd Medical Center. Because Good Shepherd Medical Center is a not-for-profit organization, all excess revenue is reinvested in facilities or equipment, to finance renovations or to provide new services.