As of December 9, HealthEast has eased the visiting restrictions that were put in place to help prevent the spread of influenza, including novel H1N1 influenza, in our hospitals (St. John's, St. Joseph's, Woodwinds and Bethesda).

We are deeply committed to the well-being of our patients, visitors and staff and have relied upon the expertise of public health agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on matters related to influenza season.

This decision is consistent with the Minnesota Department of Health announcement that downgraded the state’s H1N1 status from "widespread" to "local." Along with other hospitals, we may reinstate visiting restrictions if necessary due to resurgence of influenza. We continue to emphasize that people who are ill should not visit the hospital.

Visiting hours & tours

Normal visiting hours have resumed. Because visiting policies vary by hospital, please visit the individual hospital web site for further information.

• Bethesda Hospital
• St. John's Hospital
• St. Joseph's Hospital
• Woodwinds Health Campus

We are also resuming tours, including those for childbirth classes. However, until further notice, we are asking that children under age 5 not come to the Maternity Care tours.

For further information on Maternity Care tours, call:

• St. John's - 651-232-7550
• St. Joseph's - 651-232-8080
• Woodwinds - 651-232-0228

Who can visit?

• Children under age 5 may visit if they are here to see immediate family, including patients in our Maternity Care units. Again, please do not bring ill children to the hospitals.

• In Maternity Care units, we will no longer restrict the number of people visiting or the hours in which they visit, as long as they are healthy.

• Due to the special needs of premature and ill newborns, our restrictions in the neonatal intensive care units and special care nurseries remain intact. Siblings will not be allowed to visit. Parents entering the NICU and SCN will be screened for illness daily. Grandparents may visit if accompanied by a parent and participate in a daily screening.

Other ways to stay in touch

If you are ill, please do not come to the hospital. You can stay in touch on the phone or by sending an e-mail to a patient. Hospital phone numbers and e-mail forms are available on the home page of each one of our hospital web sites. (Links are above.)

You may also wish to use CaringBridge. They offer free, personalized web sites that connect family and friends during serious health events. Go to www.caringbridge.org for details.