Visitor Hours and Information

Generally, visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting hours and regulations are available at each nursing station.

Smoke Free Policy

South Texas Health System Heart, like all South Texas Health System facilities, is smoke-free. As healthcare providers, STHS recognizes the hazards of smoking and enforce a “No Smoking” policy. No one is permitted to smoke inside South Texas Health System Heart at any time, under any circumstances.

Visitor Guidelines

The following are general guidelines for visitors:

  • All visitors must be at least 13 years of age.
  • All visitors must wear shirts and shoes.
  • No more than two visitors are allowed in a patient room at one time. Visitors in semi-private rooms should be considerate of both patients.
  • People with colds, sore throats or any contagious diseases should not visit patients.
  • Visits should be kept short, and to maintain a quiet environment, visitors should avoid unnecessary noise.
  • Visitors may be asked to leave the room during tests or treatments or when the doctor or nurse needs to see the patient.

Condition Reports

Any personal information about a patient's diagnosis and treatment must come from the patient's physician, and this information is only available to members of the immediate family who the patient has designated to receive it. Patients may also choose not to have any information released.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi wireless internet access is a complimentary service for patients, families and visitors at South Texas Health System Heart. Wireless service is available in the following locations:

  • Lobbies and dining areas
  • Patient and family waiting areas
  • Inpatient rooms

For technical support, call 956-388-2233.

Dining Services

Vending machines are available in the cafeteria located at the main campuses and in the lobby at South Texas Health System Heart.

Cafeterias are located on the main floor of the hospital. Meal times are as follows:

  • Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Gifts for Patients

Visitors should check with the nurse before bringing gifts of food or drink to patients, as some patients are on restricted diets. On the Intensive Care Unit, please check with a nurse in the unit before taking any gift to a patient room.

Gift Shop

The hospital gift shop at South Texas Health System Heart is the perfect place to grab something to help cheer up a friend or show a family member you care. You can shop by phone to order gifts for delivery to patients. Popular products include balloons, stuffed animals and floral arrangements.

The Gift Shop is open the following hours:

  • Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Call 956-632-5585 to order.

Waiting Areas

There are specially designated lounge areas for visitors on each patient floor and on the main floor in the lobby. Specific waiting areas have been designated for families of patients in the critical care units, the emergency department and surgery. A volunteer is on duty in the surgery waiting room during certain hours to keep family members informed about the progress of surgery.

Chaplaincy Services

We believe it is important to respect that which is Sacred and Holy to another individual and to honor each person’s right to his/her own religious and/or spiritual perspective. We will make every effort to accommodate the cultural, religious and spiritual preferences of you and your family, if you will let us know what they are, and how best to meet your needs.

Interfaith chaplains provide pastoral care and counseling to patients and families during times of illness or injury. They may also assist in contacting your own clergy for a visit if requested. Chaplains are available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please tell your nurse or call the hospital operator if you would like a visit from a Chaplain or Clergy person during these hours. For urgent needs after-hours, speak to your nurse and she will contact the on-call Chaplain. Our chapels are available for prayer and meditation at all times.

Lost and Found

Items found on hospital premises should be turned in to security. Items that patients and visitors inadvertently leave in their rooms will be turned into security. Medications left behind are turned into the pharmacy. Perishable items such as flowers, fruit and food typically will be disposed of immediately. All other items will be kept for 30 days before disposal. South Texas Health System Heart will make an effort to contact the owners of any item found on campus.