Current restrictions in hospitals across the country are keeping many visitors out, for fear of spreading illness.

At Minot's Trinity Hospital, bringing flowers in-person may not always be possible, but as Dan Erdmann reports, there's another option available.

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) It's not a new service offered by Trinity Health, but one that definitely comes in handy when paying a visit to a friend or loved one isn't an option.

(Bev Westman, Trinity Volunteer Coord.) "Support from family and friends is part of the healing process and so Trinity has a means to send a card very quickly to a patient- it is called E-greetings."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Trinity Volunteer Coordinator, Bev Westman, says the process is simple. Type a greeting to a patient on their website, and they will deliver it free of charge. The sender also has the option of purchasing any variety of gifts available in their gift shop. Once the message is printed onto a card, it's handed off to Trinity's own Speedy Delivery Service. Meet Erna Eidmann.

(Erna Eidmann, Trinity Volunteer) "We get the greeting downstairs through the computer and we check who it's going to and we check where the patient is located, and we deliver it."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Erna's one of over a hundred volunteers donating their time throughout the week at Trinity. She's been here over 4 years, and says there's never a dull moment.

(Erna Eidmann, Trinity Volunteer) "It gets me out, and it's a fun thing for me to do."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Of course, the company of a loved one is hard to beat, but sometimes a simple get well message can be just as rewarding.

(Erna Eidmann, Trinity Volunteer) "Hi, Jay! I got a card for you, an E-card from a friend of yours, and she also sent a bouquet of flowers for you."


(Jay Gratzek, Trinity Patient) "Oh, thank you!"


(Jay Gratzek, Trinity Patient) "Just getting a bouquet of flowers or just a plant, or a card in general, it kind of uplifts your day, yeah."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) E-card business keeps these volunteers busy, and Erna says that's just the way they like it. More and more people are beginning to use the service, and workers believe it's a great addition to the hospital.

(Erna Eidmann, Trinity Volunteer) "I think it's a wonderful way of keeping in touch with loved ones or friends."


(Bev Westman, Trinity Volunteer Coord.) "It's fast, it's convenient, and it's a good way to let that patient know that you are thinking about them when you can't visit."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Dan Erdmann, KX News.

If you're interested in sending an E-greeting, visit trinityhealth.org. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list