At Franciscan Beacon Hospital, for your convenience and safety, you can let us know when you plan to arrive at the Emergency Department.

Franciscan Beacon Hospital: COVID-19 Response

NOTE: If you believe your condition is life threatening, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest Emergency Room. Due to increased demand, wait times may be longer than normal.

Franciscan Beacon COVID Safety Sign

As a newly opened hospital supported by two patient and community centric healthcare systems, Franciscan Beacon Hospital is here and ready to keep you and your loved ones safe.

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Is Franciscan Beacon Hospital testing for the Coronavirus/COVID-19?

Yes, if patients of our Emergency Room and Inpatient Unit have symptoms and are concerned they may have been exposed to coronavirus/COVID-19, Franciscan Beacon Hospital can determine if testing is needed. If you are having problems breathing or your symptoms are life threatening, call 911 immediately.

Are Pre-surgical COVID-19 screenings available at Franciscan Beacon Hospital?

Beginning November 16, 2020, pre-surgical patients will complete COVID-19 screenings at Franciscan Beacon Hospital. Beacon Medical Group LaPorte will no longer offer this service.

Pre-surgical patients may enter through the Franciscan Beacon Hospital Emergency Department and MUST have a driver’s license, insurance card and physician order in hand. Pre-surgical patients may walk in for testing Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.

Also, effective November 16, drive-through COVID-19 tests will no longer be offered at Beacon Medical Group LaPorte. COVID-19 tests are available at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm. Register here or by phone at 888.634.1116. Learn more here.

What can I expect during a Coronavirus/COVID-19 screening?

The physician will ask a few screening questions to determine if testing is needed.

Depending on your answers the physician may order a test or recommend self-quarantine.

Tests will be performed onsite and results have a typical turnaround time of 2-4 days although this turnaround time is not a guarantee.

Is It safe to come into Franciscan Beacon Hospital for non-COVID-19 services?

Yes, along with being a new hospital, Franciscan Beacon Hospital has measures in place to ensure your safety during your visit including:

  • Screening ALL patients upon arrival
  • Taking your temperature before allowing you to enter the hospital or clinic.
  • Limiting the number of people entering our facilities.
  • Requiring our staff to self-monitor their temperature and requiring them to wear masks at all times, with patients.
  • Adjusting our waiting areas to ensure there is adequate social distancing
  • Equipment is thoroughly wiped down after each use if it’s not disposable.
  • Frequently cleaning and disinfecting, especially high touch points.

We also ask that you do not bring a visitor with you unless you need assistance or if you cannot consent for your own treatment. We are also asking that ALL patients and ALL staff wear masks throughout your visit.  If you have your own mask, you may wear it to your appointment, but if you don’t have one, we will give you one to use.

For more information and resources, please visit:

Beacon’s COVID-19 Reponse Page: https://coronavirus.beaconhealthsystem.org/
Franciscan’s COVID Info: https://www.franciscanhealth.org/covid-19