Patients and Visitors

The Minnesota Department of Health has declared the flu widespread in our state. To protect our patients — many of whom are very ill and have complex health needs — children under the age of five, any sick persons regardless of age, and anyone with known exposure to a contagious illness are restricted from visiting M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Please call our Infection Prevention department at 612-273-5036 with questions.

Helpful Information and guidelines for Visitors

Visits from family and friends help make a patient's stay more pleasant. It's always a good idea to call first and make sure the patient is ready for guests. Our hospital is made up of two campuses—the East Bank and West Bank, which are separated by the Mississippi River.

Calling University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital (West Bank)

To be connected to a patient please call 612-365-1000 or 855-267-5289 (toll-free).

Calling University of Minnesota Medical Center (East or West Bank)

If you don't know whether the patient is staying on the East Bank or West Bank locations, call 612-273-3000. If you already know the campus, you can dial the hospital directly at:

• West Bank: 612-273-6002 
• East Bank: 612-273-4087 

Getting Directions to Our Locations

Search our locations for direction to the facility you're visiting. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if there is something we can do to make your visit better.

Illness Guidelines

As a visitor, these general rules help keep you, our patients and staff from spreading illnesses. Ask a nurse if there are visiting rules for the unit you plan to visit--hours are flexible, but are not the same on every unit.

During cold and flu seasons there is higher risk for spreading illness. You can expect:

• Nurses will ask visiting children simple questions to screen for illness.
• If you or a family member have had (or been exposed to) chicken pox or measles in the past three weeks, please talk to a nurse on the unit you're visiting.
• Please do not visit if you or a child visiting with you has an illness (cold, the flu, upset stomach, etc.).

These are the habits of a caring and careful visitor:

• Clean your hands after arriving and before leaving
• Always cover your cough
• Use a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
• Clean your hands after coughing
• If you are sick, stay home
• If you are sick, and must visit, please ask for a mask