COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, St. Joseph Medical Center is fully prepared to care for our patients and our community. We’re taking precautions to make sure our hospital is clean, safe and ready for your next visit.
You won’t be near anyone with COVID-19.
The fear of contracting COVID-19 shouldn’t cross your mind when you need emergency care. That’s why we’ve created safe zones in our ER - keeping you separate from anyone we’re treating for COVID-19.
We’re suiting up and scrubbing down even more.
We’ve upped our cleaning and disinfecting protocols - especially for high-touch areas. We also make sure we’re adequately stocked with masks, shields, gloves and towns to help keep you and our staff healthy.
Checking, then double-checking.
For an added layer of protection, we have hospital personnel screening patients for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before they enter our facility.
Visitor Restrictions
Effective March 31, 2022, each patient will be allowed two (2) visitors at a time. All visitors must be 18 years or older.
Visitors entering the hospital must be screened at an entrance. Please visit a security desk before entering a patient care area. Masks are required for all individuals in the hospital and must be worn in patient rooms.
Anyone who feels sick and is not seeking care is asked to avoid visiting hospitals or other health care facilities. This includes any individual who is experiencing a fever, cough, or body aches.
Visitor Precautions In Effect
All individuals entering the hospital will undergo a temperature check and wellness screening before entering patient areas. Face masks are required in all areas of the hospital, including patient rooms. You may remove your face mask to eat or drink.
All visitors will undergo a COVID-19 screening upon entering the building. Visitors that are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or have been in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days are asked to not visit patients within the hospital at this time.
Please help us to keep our communities safe. Thank you for your cooperation.
Everyone on Steward properties should have a mask on, including patients and visitors. This new measure has been put in place for your protection, as well as the protection of patients and hospital staff.
We ask for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation in our commitment to keeping our community safe.
General Visitation:
- Entrances to the campus for all visitors and patients will be restricted to the following entrances only (all other entrances will be locked and available for egress from the facility only or be accessed by badge access for certain personnel)
- ER entrance – 24/7
- St. Joseph Pavilion (1401 St. Joseph Parkway)
- All campus visitors will will undergo a COVID-19 screening.
- If you do not have a mask upon entering the building, one will be provided to you.
- Non-essential vendors or personnel will not be allowed entry starting immediately including product vendors and pharmaceutical reps. Essential vendors are those bringing necessary supplies for procedures and will be approved by calling the OR/Cath Lab Directors and/or through Purchasing.
Hospital Reopening Annoucements
Our clinics are open and our emergency rooms continue to be a safe place to treat ALL emergencies. From serious conditions to aches and pains, your health care needs didn’t stop. We know this. And now it’s time to get you and your family the advanced medical care you need.
St. Joseph Medical Center is taking additional, necessary preparations to ensure patients can receive compassionate care in a safe, carefully managed environment – with confidence and without fear.
Our Safe and Ready program consists of a rigorous four-point standard ensuring patient safety, confidence and convenience:
Any COVID-19 related care takes place in designated areas away from other patients and their families.
Emergency Departments are reorganized to be a safe place to treat all emergency patients.
A stringent cleaning policy has been implemented throughout the hospital.
A strictly controlled visitor and masking policy is required for patient safety.
You can rest assured that we have made the necessary preparations to care for you in a safe, controlled and professional way.
We’re here, and we’re ready to provide the care you need.
What to do if you're sick
Stay home except to get medical care
- Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Social Distancing
- As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
- Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.
Call Ahead before visiting your doctor
Call ahead: If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.
Monitor your symptoms
- Seek medical attention, but call first: Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
- Call your doctor before going in: Before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do.
1401 St. Joseph Parkway
Houston, TX 77002
713-757-1000