Policies & Guidelines
Smoking Policy (Applies to Electronic Cigarettes or Similar Devices)
It is the policy of Holy Cross Health to provide an environment free of tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco vapor, as well as to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle. For your health and the health of others, Holy Cross Hospital is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital grounds including inside any vehicle on the grounds. As a courtesy to our community, please refrain from venturing into the surrounding neighborhood to smoke. If you are having difficulty not smoking during your stay, speak with your doctor or nurse.
Cell Phone Policy
Cell phone use is not restricted within Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, but patients and visitors are encouraged to turn off their cell phones when talking with their care providers to avoid interruption. Please keep cell phone conversations brief, speak in a tone of voice appropriate to the surroundings, or relocate to a private area for conversations. Patients and visitors are advised to use earphones for multimedia applications and to exercise discretion in the choice of video content viewed. Some units may have additional guidelines for cell phone use. If you have questions regarding use of your cell phone, please ask our staff for assistance.
Recording Within the Hospital
We understand that you may want to take photos or video of your family or friends while in the hospital. To protect the privacy of our patients and staff and avoid interference with the delivery of care, it's important to ensure all participants are comfortable with any photography, videography or audio recording beforehand. With the patient's permission, you can record images or sound in the patient's room or other non-treatment areas, as long as it doesn't include other people without their permission. No pictures of medical treatment or procedures are allowed without the approval of the treating professional. If you record people or procedures without permission, you will be asked to stop recording and delete the audio or image already captured. Any recording must be in accordance with Holy Cross Health's privacy and security policies. If you have any questions, please contact the unit supervisor.
Flowers and Balloons
Due to infection control and allergy considerations, flower delivery is not permitted on the following units:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Oncology patients on 6 South Acute Care
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
For your safety and the safety of others, only non-latex balloons (or Mylar balloons) are approved for delivery to patients. We ask that visitors not bring latex balloons into the hospital.
Restraint Policy
Occasionally some patients may need to be restrained to ensure their safety. The use of restraints is a last resort. If you have questions or concerns about the use of restraints, talk to the patient’s nurse.
Visiting Guidelines
View our visiting guidelines here.
Overnight Stays
Overnight visitors are considered on a case-by-case basis.