Rely on us
Patients rely on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for lifesaving treatment. In the ICU, physicians lead critical care services and oversee the care of critically ill patients. Our specialized team of critical care physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists at Freeman Hospital West provides exceptional care in our state-of-the-art, 31-bed ICU and 7-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).
ICU visiting hours
5:00 am - 6:00 am
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
8:30 pm - 11:00 pm
11:00 pm - 5:00 am (one visitor per patient)
Please avoid calling the nurses station when the ICU is closed to visitors to allow for initial assessment and patient care.
Nurses' station
417.347.3300
Visitation policy
We encourage family members to visit in the ICU. We work to provide the best possible care and protect the privacy of our patients. You can help us by observing the following:
- Two people at a time may visit the patient (with the exception of 11:00 pm - 5:00 am). Visitors must wear shoes and appropriate clothing.
- ICU staff may adjust visiting hours based on individual patient needs.
- During emergencies, ICU may temporarily suspend visitation.
- Please leave a phone number where ICU staff can easily reach you.
- Please wash your hands before and after leaving the ICU.
- We encourage family members to go home and get proper meals and rest.
- Because of the high risk of infection and emotional stress, children under 12 are not permitted to visit patients in the ICU.
- Please do not leave children unattended in the waiting room.
- Please remain in the patient's room or the waiting room and avoid congregating at the nurse station.
- You may be asked to leave the ICU at any time so our team can provide patient care, administer procedures or handle emergencies.
- If your loved one has advanced medical directives or a durable power of attorney in place, please provide a copy to ICU staff.
- All visitors must check in at the front desk prior to visiting. If no attendant is available, please use the intercom near the ICU entrance to contact hospital staff.
- Please limit family members to four in the ICU waiting room at one time. For additional seating, the atrium is open 24 hours a day.
- From time to time, equipment alarms may sound. Please do not attempt to adjust equipment.
- Please refrain from disruptive behavior, such as loud or inappropriate conversations or arguments.
- Food and drinks are prohibited in patient care areas and rooms.
- No live plants or flowers are permitted in ICU rooms.
- Use cell phones only in designated areas and rooms.
- Freeman is not responsible for personal items left in patients' rooms.
- Please ask a nurse before using any electrical devices.
- Personal care items, such as deodorant and toothpaste, can be purchased at Freeman Gift Gallery.
- Please contact a nurse before entering a room marked "isolation."
Family representative
To maintain communication with family members and ensure the best possible care for patients, we ask families to choose a person to speak for the family and to the nurses about the patient's condition. Please give nurses the name of your representative once he or she has been chosen.
Helpful phone numbers
Chaplain: 417.347.6627
Patient Care Advocate: 417.347.4693
Social Services: 417.347.6614 or 417.347.4644