Visiting the hospital
Here are answers to some of the more common questions we hear about visiting at GRHS. If your question isn’t on this list, please call the main hospital switchboard at 320-864-3121, or toll free at 1-888-526-4242. Someone will find your answer for you!
Is there a limit to the number of visitors at one time?
How do I reach a patient by phone?
May I bring children to visit at the hospital?
Why did the nurse ask me to leave the room when she came in?
Can I visit a patient in intensive care (ICU)?
I have a cold. Can I still visit someone in the hospital?
Is smoking allowed at the hospital?
Can I talk to the doctor or staff member about a patient’s care?
Where do I park at the hospital?
Where are the waiting areas located?
Can I bring food or gifts?
Can I buy gifts or flowers at the hospital?
Is it possible for me to stay the night with my child?
I’m coming from out of town. Are there motels in Glencoe near the hospital?
How do I make a phone call from the hospital?
When are hospital visiting hours?
Is there a limit to the number of visitors in a room at one time?
No, not a firm limit, but please don’t overtire the patient.
How do I reach a patient by phone?
Call the main hospital number, 320-864-3121, or toll free at 1-888-526-4242, and ask for the patient by name. Include the room number if you know it.
May I bring children to visit at the hospital?
Children may visit hospital patients if they’re accompanied by an adult at all times. For the safety and well being of our patients, sick children should not visit the hospital.
Why did the nurse ask me to leave the room when she came in?
Sometimes, to protect privacy or to be able to listen, concentrate and assure accuracy in their reporting, staff will ask visitors to leave the room while they perform their duties.
Can I visit a patient in intensive care (ICU)?
Yes, but visitors in ICU must be members of the patient’s immediate family. Limit your visit to five minutes in an hour.
I have a cold. Can I still visit someone in the hospital?
If your condition might be contagious, please do not visit hospital patients. If you have a cold, or have symptoms of the flu, please check with the nurse before visiting.
Is smoking allowed at the hospital?
No. All GRHS facilities and grounds are tobacco-free. Nicotine replacement products are available for guests to purchase in our Gift Shop, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (when a volunteer is available).
Can I talk to the doctor or staff member about a patient’s care?
If the patient has signed the government’s HIPAA form allowing you to discuss care and condition, then you may ask questions, offer information and follow progress. However, if you’re not on the patient’s signed list, even if you’re a close relative, privacy laws prevent GRHS staff from discussing the patient’s condition.
Where do I park at the hospital?
Patients and their visitors may park in the hospital/clinic lot just off Hennepin Ave. Please do not park in restricted area (marked by signs) and always lock your car when you leave it.
Where are the waiting areas located?
If you’re waiting to hear about a patient who is in surgery, check in at the reception desk and have a seat in the main lobby waiting area. Otherwise, you’ll find a comfortable waiting area on the second level of the hospital.
Can I bring food or gifts to a patient?
Gifts and treats bring cheer. However, before you give any food or drink to a hospital patient, be sure to check with the nurse on duty. No latex balloons are allowed in the hospital because they may cause allergic reactions. Flowers are usually fine, but please be considerate of people with allergies or sensitivity to smells.
Can I buy gifts or flowers at the hospital?
Our gift shop, staffed by volunteers and located in the main lobby, is usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Flowers can be purchased at the hospital reception desk, too.
Is it possible for me to stay the night with my child?
Yes, we have a recliner for one family member to stay with pediatric patients. We ask that only one family member stay unless the patient is in critical condition.
I’m coming from out of town. Are there motels in Glencoe near the hospital?
Yes, there is a motel nearby. You’ll also find local restaurants listed in the telephone book.
Super 8 Motel
717 Morningside Drive
Glencoe
320-864-6191
How do I make a phone call from the hospital?
Each hospital room has a phone. Dial 9 to get an outside line for local calls. Long-distance calls must be charged to your home phone or a credit card. Just dial 9+0+ the long-distance number, including area code. An operator will help you.
What are the hospital’s visiting hours?
Visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day. The hospital’s front entrance (under the dome) is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you must come to the hospital at other times, please use the phone in the hospital’s entryway to call the switchboard. Someone will answer and let you in.
320-864-3121 or 1-888-526-4242 | Map
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