Flu forces regional hospitals to implement visitation restrictions
In response to the increase in influenza cases nationwide and in the tri-state area, the hospital members of the Community Patient Safety Coalition are implementing unified hospital visitation restrictions effective Monday, December 22nd.
The restrictions include:
• No visitors with influenza-like symptoms in the hospitals. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting or diarrhea.
• No visitors under the age of 15.
• No visitors other than immediate family or other significant persons as defined by the patient.
Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently while in the hospital and wear protective face masks when instructed. Exceptions to these restrictions may be made for cases involving critically ill patients and end-of-life situations.
These restrictions were developed using recommendations from the Vanderburgh County Health Department.
The flu can cause serious complications and even death, especially in the very young, the elderly, and those with certain existing medical conditions. These measures are being taken in an effort to protect patients, families, and hospital staff. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.
Community Patient Safety Coalition hospitals include:
- Daviess Community Hospital
- Deaconess Health System
- Evansville Surgery Center
- Gibson General Hospital
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- Healthsouth – Evansville
- Memorial Hospital and Health Center, Jasper
- Methodist Hospital, Henderson, KY
- Perry County Hospital
- St. Mary’s Health
- The Heart Hospital, Newburgh
- The Women’s Hospital
