Visitor Information

Visitors are an important part of health care. Ozarks Healthcare strives to be as accommodating as possible in our visiting practices. We also realize that patients may need quiet and privacy: therefore, at times visitors may be inappropriate.

Visiting Hours

In response to the continued downward trend of COVID-19 cases, Ozarks Healthcare wants to welcome our community back inside the walls of our hospital.

Ozarks Healthcare’s updated visitor policy includes the following:

  • Patients at Ozarks Healthcare’s hospital and clinics are encouraged to have any number of visitors during visiting hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Individual circumstances and departmental exceptions may apply, which are listed further below. Patients may deny the consent for visitation at any time. Extra safety precautions may be in place for visitors of patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis.
  • All patients, visitors, and staff must wear a mask while inside patient care areas at any Ozarks Healthcare facility. Ozarks Healthcare staff members who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to remove masks when away from patient care areas. Screenings for patients, visitors, and staff will no longer be conducted (including no temperature checks). Any screening questions and temperature checks will be completed in the patient triage process.
  • Departmental-specific visiting guidelines apply to Ozarks Healthcare’s Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neuro-Psych Unit (NPU), and Obstetrics (OB) Department.
  • ICU and Emergency Department patients are allowed two visitors at a time, with no children under 12 years except under extenuating circumstances that may be determined by patients’ care teams. Visiting hours are subject to change according to each patient’s condition.
  • NPU patients are allowed any number of designated visitors of all ages at the discretion of patients’ care teams between the hours of 3 and 4 p.m. daily. NPU patients’ care teams may refuse any visitor access to the unit at their discretion.
  • OB patients are allowed any number of designated visitors between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. during labor or after delivery. During delivery, only two visitors are allowed in the room. After delivery, one designated person may stay with the patient after visiting hours end. All visitors must check-in and out of the OB Department for security purposes. The birth of an infant is a family experience, and it is the goal of the OB staff to support patients and their loved ones.

If the door to the patient's room is closed, knock softly before entering. Medical personnel may be present and performing a procedure or the patient may be resting. You may need to come back later.

Parking

Ozarks Healthcare provides free parking. Security officers are available 24 hours a day to escort visitors to cars parked on or adjacent to the West Plains campus. To contact security, please call the switchboard ("0" on the in-house phone) for assistance.

Restrooms

Restrooms in patient rooms are for patient use only. Please ask the nursing station for directions to the nearest public restrooms.

Gift Shop

A gift shop is located on the first floor of Ozarks Healthcare's Medical Office Building. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Gifts/Food for Patients

Due to patient care issues, visitors should check with the nurse before bringing gifts or food items to the patient.

Chapel

A chapel is located on the first floor of Ozarks Healthcare's Medical Office Building. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to visit the chapel for worship services, prayer, and quiet reflection.

Visitors' Lounge

There are specially designated lounge areas for visitors on some floors of inpatient units. Specific areas are designated for families of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Emergency Department, and Surgical Services. During certain hours, a volunteer is on duty in the Surgery Waiting Room to keep family members informed about the progress of surgery.

Smoking Policy

As leaders in health care, Ozarks Healthcare is committed to the promotion of health and wellness within the communities it serves. The use of tobacco products and smoking material is prohibited in all buildings and on grounds owned, leased, or occupied by Ozarks Healthcare.