Visitor Registration Process

For the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, Blessing Health System has implemented a visitor registration process at Blessing Hospital and Illini Community Hospital. Visitors can register ahead of visiting our facilities or are welcomed to register at the kiosk upon their arrival. Click here to learn more and register online.

Approved Visitors:

  • When a visitor presents to Blessing Hospital, a Guest Services Representative will welcome the visitor and issue a visitor pass that is a temporary ID. The visitor will wear a visitor identifier (name tag) while in facility.
  • In attempt to maintain a calm and therapeutic environment, we ask that patients attempt to limit 2 visitors (exceptions may be made under special circumstances at the discretion of the charge nurse). Patients have a right to have a support individual of their choosing stay with them, unless the individual's presence infringes on others' rights, safety or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated. Staff will request that visitors maintain a quiet environment to help patients rest. Staff will request that visitors leave or move to the waiting room if quiet is not maintained.
  • Standard visiting hours are 7:00 am to 8:30 pm daily.
  • After 8:30 p.m., visitors admittance is restricted to the Emergency Department entrance. All visitors must register at the Security post.
  • Patients may have 1 overnight visitor.
  • For safety purposes, all children under the age of 12 are to remain in the waiting room. Exceptions may be made by the charge nurse.
  • Persons who have a known infectious disease or who have recently had unprotected contact with a person with such a disease (this included visitors with fever, new onset cough, diarrhea, rash, recent exposure to COVID or chickenpox, etc). are to be restricted from visiting.
  • At times of increased incidence of communicable disease in the community, the hospital may restrict visiting privileges.
  • Visitors must check with hospital staff prior to bringing any food or drinks to the patient as the patient may require a special diet for treatment.
  • Visitors should keep all cell phones and other electronic devices on vibrate and when possible calls should be in areas not disturbing to patients such as waiting rooms. • Visitors may be asked to step out of the patient room to a nearby waiting room during certain treatments and emergency situations. Please encourage visitors not to gather in the hallways outside the patients room.
  • The patient (or support person, as appropriate), patient's physician and/or registered nurse or designee may determine and institute appropriate visiting restrictions. Such restrictions will be documented in the electronic medical record or by posting a sign on the door.
  • Visitors are instructed on the specific details and methods of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to help prevent transmission of infections.
  • Standard and transmission-based isolation precautions are to be followed by visitors (including off-duty employees) who are visiting a patient in isolation or who are being trained to assist in providing care. Nursing staff will provide necessary protective information, hand washing facilities and personal protective equipment.
  • Smoking, electronic cigarettes and other use of tobacco products are prohibited on Blessing Hospital property.
  • During times of regional or wide spread influenza activity and/or COVID-19, children 16 and under will not be allowed to visit patients in the hospital unless they are visiting a patient during end of life event.
    • Children 16 and under who are visiting a patient during an end of life event are to wear a mask to protect themselves and others during their hospital visit.
  • Personal visitors of employees are permitted on hospital premises but excluded from patient care and clinical areas. Visitors of employees may visit cafeteria, tea room, and BH Java.

Illini Community Hospital:

  • Before visiting Illini Community Hospital, call the hospital at 217-285-2113 for the latest visiting information.

Controlled Access To Buildings

Only four entrances to Blessing Hospital will be open: North Entrance at Moorman Pavilion; Main Entrance at 11th and Spring, Walk-In Clinic entrance and the Emergency Center entrance. Only two entrances at Illini will be open: Emergency Center entrance and Main Entrance. All other entrances will be locked. The entrances will be open at the following times:

Blessing Hospital Entrances:

  • ED doors open 24 hours, 7 days a week

  • Walk-in Clinic doors open 6 am-9 pm, 7 days a week

  • Main Entrance open 7 am- 8 pm, 7 days a week. The Cancer Center side of the Main Entrance will be locked.

  • North Moorman Pavilion Entrance open 6:45 am - 5:15 pm, Monday - Friday, and 6:45 am - 2:15 pm on weekends.

  • Blessing Health Center Skywalk/Bridge open 7 am -5 pm week days. Locked on weekends.

Illini Community Hospital Entrances:

  • ED Registration Entrance open 24 hours, 7 days a week

  • Main Entrance open 6 am-5 pm

Behavioral Unit Visiting Hours

  • Child and Adolescent— Daily 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

  • Adult— Daily 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Visiting Guidelines

  • Quiet promotes rest and healing for all of our patients. Please be considerate in patient rooms, hallways, and waiting rooms to help us maintain a peaceful environment.

  • Protect the patient’s privacy by knocking on the door before entering a room.

  • Upon request of the doctor or nurse, please leave the patient’s room when necessary care, examinations, or treatments are conducted.

  • Check with nursing staff before bringing in any food or drinks for the patient, as the patient may require a special diet for treatment.

  • Smoking, electronic cigarettes, and other tobacco products are prohibited on all Blessing Health System property, including sidewalks and parking lots.

Promote Patient and Community Health and Safety

Isolation reduces the spread of germs among patients with certain types of infections, those who care for them and those who visit them. 

  • Individuals with contagious diseases or those who have been unwell should not visit patients.

  • For your protection and that of the patient and the community, please strictly follow any isolation instructions when visiting a patient. The unit nursing staff can advise you on what precautions are necessary if your loved one is in isolation due to a contagious disease diagnosis.

  • Regardless of diagnosis, always wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving a patient room.

Contact Us

To learn more about visiting hours and guidelines specific to the unit on which your loved one is receiving care, please call (217) 223-1200, and ask for the unit on which they are staying.