Avera McKennan Patients & Visitors

Your comfort and safety are important to us. Whether you need an inpatient stay, an outpatient procedure, to visit a loved one or to welcome a new baby to the family, our hospital staff is here to help make your visit a good experience. Trust Avera McKennan for an extensive array of medical specialties, advanced technology, emergency care and high-quality services.

  • Find a full range of medical services housed in clinics and physician offices within multiple buildings on campus.
  • View our campus map and parking information to learn more about navigating campus.
  • If you have any concerns or need help when you’re on campus, please ask an employee with an Avera name badge.
  • You can also call 605-322-8000 for assistance.

Visiting Hours for General Care Areas

To foster a caring and healing environment, we ask you to follow visiting hours and policies. Most general care areas have visiting hours of 6 AM – 9 PM. For inquiries about specific area visiting hours, call 605-322-8000.

  • We recommend no more than two visitors at a time.
  • Minors and dependent adults must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Visitation in general care areas may change subject to department leader discretion.
  • We may restrict visitors, temporarily close buildings and adjust hours to protect the safety of patients and staff.
  • Avera staff are committed to providing a healing and safe environment for all.

Behavior Expectations

For your safety and ours, aggressive and threatening behavior will not be tolerated. This includes:

  • Physical assault
  • Verbal harassment
  • Abusive language
  • Sexual language
  • Threats of any kind
  • Failure to follow staff instructions
  • Possession or use of alcohol, drugs or weapons

cafeteria dining area

On-Campus Amenities

To support your comfort and calm any nerves you may be feeling, you can enjoy the following Avera McKennan amenities:

  • Quiet places for prayer or meditation in the Avera McKennan Chapel off the main hospital lobby, or the Dr. Michael Rost Meditation Room on the ground floor of the Prairie Center.
  • Caribou Coffee (open weekdays 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM) is located right inside the main lobby entrance.
  • Choice of dining places, like Cafe 1325 and Quarry Café, and vending machines for food, beverages and snacks.
  • Hospital gift and floral shop to browse and purchase gifts like flowers, clothing, personal care products and Avera-branded items.
  • Innerpath Store for integrative medicine and specialty items, like aromatherapy oils and nutritional supplements, to support cancer patients.
  • An indoor SculptureWalk and original art collections throughout campus, including those by local and regional artists.
  • Free public Internet access everywhere on campus.

More Resources

Patients & Visitors

Visit Avera’s online patients and visitors resource center for these and much more:

  • Send an e-card greeting to a patient.
  • Request your medical records.
  • Pay your bill.
  • Get details on advance directives like a living will.
  • Learn about your patient rights, responsibilities and role in safe health care — as well as how to report and escalate concerns to your provider or:
    • Clinic or department manager: Call the main phone number for this Avera hospital or the specific clinic and ask to speak with the manager.
    • The facility’s risk management department: Contact the hospital’s main phone number and ask to speak to the risk management department for written concerns or complaints.
    • Should you have a concern that is unresolved, you have the right to contact the:
      • South Dakota Department of Health at 600 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501 or at 605-773-3361
      • The Joint Commission at One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 30181 or at JointCommission.org under Contact Us and then Patient Safety Complaint
Patients & Visitors

Nearby Accommodations

  • Kirby Place at Walsh Family Village: home away from home near the hospital for eligible families with loved ones who are hospitalized.
  • Nearby hotels and lodging places to stay in town.

Surgery Preregistration

If your physician has scheduled you for a procedure at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center (the main hospital or the Surgery Center at the Prairie Center), you should receive a call from our pre-anesthesia team within one to five business days prior to your procedure. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 605-322-8211 weekdays, 8:30 AM – 5 PM.

Protecting Your Privacy

Avera McKennan takes your privacy seriously regarding legal information pertaining to medical, insurance and website privacy. We are required to keep your personal and medical information confidential before, during and after your visit. If you are concerned your privacy may have been violated or have any privacy questions, please call our privacy officer at 605-322-7801.