Frequently Asked Questions

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center makes every effort to ensure that your hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.  The following information is designed to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions that you or your family may have during your stay.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Patient Relations at ext. (309) 655-2222. 

 How do I get to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center? 

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is located in downtown Peoria and is easily accessible from I-74 and main streets as well as public transportation.  [ Maps & Directions ]

How do I indicate my advanced directives?

An advanced directive is a document that gives your healthcare desires in advance.  It is a significant statement of your intentions and should be developed only after careful consideration.  An advanced directive is produced when either a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care is executed (signed and witnessed).  Either of these documents guides your caregivers in following your wishes concerning medical treatment or non-treatment in the event you become incapacitated.  Advanced directives are best developed before an illness or injury occurs.  For further information, call Social Services at (309) 655-2311.

When are visiting hours and what guidelines must visitors follow?

Visitors can be good medicine for patients and family members and friends are welcome to visit.  General visiting hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  The Intensive Care Units have special hours and guidelines.  While visiting we ask that visitors follow the following guidelines:

• Each visitor must be at least 12 years of age.  Permission must be received from the nurse in charge for visitors younger than 12.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
• Visitors should use public restrooms, not patient bathrooms
• No smoking on medical center campus.
• Visitors must dress appropriately, including shirt and shoes
• No more that 2 visitors allowed at the bedside at a time
• People with colds, sore throats or any contagious diseases should not visit patients
• Visits should be kept short
• Visitors should maintain a quiet environment and avoid any unnecessary noise
• Visitors may be asked to leave the room during tests or examinations

Where do I park?

Free parking is available to all patients and visitors in the North Parking Deck. Valet parking is available at no charge weekdays from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.  For a detailed map and driving directions to the North Parking Deck, click here.

What if I need an interpreter?

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center offers an interpreter service for patients speaking a foreign language or using sign language.  For assistance please call Social Services at (309) 655-2311.

Does the hospital assist patients with communication difficulties?

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center provides specialized communication equipment (such as telecommunications devices for the deaf, amplification handsets for telephones, or closed caption TVs) at no charge.  For further information, please talk to your nurse or call the hospital operator.

What if I have questions or concerns during my stay?

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center makes every effort to ensure that your hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.  The Patient Relations Department provides a channel through which all inpatients, outpatients and their families can gain answers to questions, seek solutions to problems and obtain responses to concern or unmet needs.  We seek to demonstrate to all patients, their families and friends the concern and responsiveness of our staff in meeting the needs of each individual.  If you have any questions before, during or after your stay, please feel free to contact the Patient Response Line at (309) 655-2222.

Does my patient room phone work like my home phone?

Yes, with a few exceptions. You can dial all local calls directly from your bedside telephone. When dialing a number within the hospital, you need only dial the last five digits of the number.

For all local numbers, just dial 9 + the telephone number.

When are meals served and what choices do I have?

Room service is open from 6:30 am - 7:00 pm.  After room service hours, please ask your caregiver about meals. You will be visited by a Room Service Ambassador who will bring you a menu and show you how to call room service and order your meals. Additional meals can be purchased for friends and family members who would like to join you for a meal.  Guest meals tickets can be purchased from either of the gift shops in the medical center.    

Questions?  Call Signature Service at 4-MEAL (4-6325), from a hospital phone, and we will be happy to help you. 

  Where can my visitors get something to eat?

Cafeteria: First floor, Glen Oak Building.  Features salad bar, deli and grill.  For selections, please call (309) 655-2200.

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Spotted Cow: First floor, Gerlach Building.

Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cafe Express: First floor, Milestone Building.  

Monday-Friday, 6:30 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Vending Machines: Drinks and snacks are available at various locations throughout the medical center.

Does the hospital have a chapel or chaplains available?

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center believes that total patient care demands attention to the spiritual as well as the physical and emotional needs of the patient.  Members of the Pastoral Care Team (Roman Catholic priests, OSF sisters and Protestant ministers) are available to assist you and your family whatever your religious tradition.  The team includes chaplains who have specialized training for hospital ministry.  If you wish to see a chaplain, please ask your nurse or call the medical center operator (0) to page the chaplain on call.  Chapel services and communion schedules are also available through Pastoral Care at (309) 655-2084.

Is there a hospital gift shop or florist?

The gift shop is operated by the Medical Center Auxiliary and is staffed by volunteers.  It has gift items, jewelry, greeting cards, candy, toiletries, plants and flowers.  Visitors should check with the nurse before bringing gifts, food or drinks to patients.  Certain gifts, including food, fresh flowers and live plants, are not allowed in critical care units.  Hours are:

To order gifts for a loved one, call the gift shop during regular business hours at (309) 655-2181

Can a patient receive mail or flowers to their room?

Mail is delivered Monday through Friday.  Any mail received after you leave will be forwarded to your home.  Flowers and gifts are delivered as soon as possible after they are received.  Visitors should check with the nurse before bringing gifts, food or drinks to patients.  Certain gifts, including food, fresh flowers and live plants, are not allowed in critical care units.  Latex balloons are not allowed.  Only Mylar balloons are acceptable in the medical center.

For additional information please contact:

Phone: (309) 655-2222