Observation Unit
Your medical record
One Record Across Every Holy Cross Location
Holy Cross Medical Center and its clinics share one electronic medical record (EMR) system, so your care team sees the same up-to-date information wherever you are seen.
Moving to a new system is a process, and our teams are still adjusting. You may notice longer wait times or delays, and we may ask you to confirm your contact and insurance details at check-in. Thank you for your patience.
The Patient Portal changed on June 1, 2026. Use the new portal for visits on or after that date; the Patient Portal page explains where to find records from earlier visits.
Contact Us:
(575) 758-8883
Holy Cross Hospital’s Observation Unit (OBS Unit) is a special short-stay unit for patients who need observation for specific conditions. Your Holy Cross Hospital (HCH) physician may place you in the OBS Unit for eight to 24 hours.
You’re stay may include:
You’re stay may include:- Monitoring
- Assessments
- Diagnostic Tests
- Laboratory screenings
- Respiratory Therapy
You are observed closely before determining if you will be admitted to the hospital or are able to go home. Since your stay in the OBS Unit is less than 24 hours, your visit is considered an outpatient visit.
Your symptoms are monitored closely. We provide you with a restful room, bed, television and meals (if health care team allows). You receive the same level of compassion, safety and care you would expect from any Holy Cross visit. We streamline your testing and necessary treatments to get you admitted to the hospital for further care or discharged home as quickly as possible.
Some conditions that may result in a visit to the OBS Unit include:
- Chest pain
- Dehydration
- Asthma
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney stones
- Minor infections or injuries
- Outpatient surgeries requiring extended care
If your HCH health care team allows you to eat during your stay, you may order from our room service menu and your meal is delivered to your room. Your family is welcome to be present with you during your stay based on recommendations from your health care team.
Your stay in the OBS Unit is billed as an outpatient visit on an hourly basis, and you are responsible for any co-payments, deductibles or other charges that may apply.
For billing questions please call: (575) 751-8925.
Contact Us
For more information, call:
(575) 758-8883