MT. VERNON – Construction at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital to install an interior wall and sliding door separating the entrances of the emergency department and the hospital has been completed. This project is part of ongoing safety and security upgrades aimed at improving the flow of patients needing emergency care.

During visiting hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., all visitors must enter the hospital through the main visitor entrance. Those who attempt to enter through the emergency entrance during these hours will be redirected to the main entrance. Access to the new sliding door that separates the main hospital from the emergency department will be restricted to badge access only.

After visiting hours, visitors must enter through the emergency entrance and go through weapons detection to check in with security. Security will need to obtain approval from the nurse in charge of the unit the visitors wish to access. Not all visitors will be granted access after visiting hours. If approval is granted, visitors will receive a visitor badge and will be escorted to the appropriate floor by security personnel.

Emergency rooms are reserved for illnesses or major injuries that are life-threatening such as breathing difficulties, severe pain, chest pain, and strokes. Virtual Express, Express Clinics, and Primary Care are for your next level of care such as skin irritations, flu or cold symptoms, and sprains or strains.

To evaluate what type of health care service is right for you or your family, find your symptoms on our care choices chart at www.ssmhealth.com/access/right-care-right-place.