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Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center begin temporary new flu-safety restrictions
Last updated: 10/26/2009
To protect patients and visitors during this flu season, Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center will implement flu-safety restrictions beginning Monday, October 26. Children under age 18 may not come to the hospital unless they are patients, and children should not come to other family members' doctor appointments.
This policy includes all Cabell Huntington Hospital Family Medical Centers and Marshall University Medical Center locations.
"Our overriding concern is that all patients get the care they need, in the safest and most expeditious way," said Dr. Robert C. Nerhood, who oversees clinical affairs of the Marshall University Medical Center. "Given the number of flu cases in our area, children should not come to the doctor visits of their parents or siblings. However, we do understand that child care can be an issue, and we don't want parents to have to cancel medical appointments. Parents who cannot make other arrangements for their children must understand that their children will need to wear a mask."
It is anticipated that these changes will be in effect throughout flu season to protect patients, children and health care workers from the spread of the flu virus.
"At Cabell Huntington Hospital we understand the value of family support during illness and the benefit of being surrounded by the people you love," said Hoyt Burdick, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cabell Huntington Hospital. "However, during this current period of high influenza infection rates in our community, we are asking that any family or visitor with flu symptoms postpone their visitation until they recover. Since infection rates and susceptibility to H1N1 influenza are very high among children, we are also temporarily restricting visitation within the hospital to those persons 18 years of age or older. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and we promise to reassess this restriction daily as further information becomes available."
Among the changes in effect Monday, October, 26:
- Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted in the hospital unless they are a patient seeking medical care or the parent/guardian of the patient.
- Cabell Huntington Hospital Family Medical Centers and the Marshall University Medical Center (including all Marshall medical locations) request that the number of people accompanying patients be kept to a minimum, and children under 18 come only if they are the patients. If this would prevent another family member from getting care, the non-patient children will be allowed but will need to wear a mask.
- Adult visitors who feel sick with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or body aches should not visit patients or the hospital campus. If a visit is absolutely necessary, such as in an end-of-life situation, visitors should obtain a mask available at any campus entrance.
These changes are a proactive step by Cabell Huntington Hospital and Marshall University Medical Center to protect patients, children and health care workers from the spread of the flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control now places children, adolescents and pregnant women among the most susceptible groups who become sick with the H1N1 flu.
For more flu information, please visit www.flu.gov.