Due to the new strain of H1N1 Influenza and the seasonal flu, French Hospital Medical Center has transitioned to higher levels of precautions for patients, visitors, and hospital staff. These new precautions are at the recommendation of government health officials and medical staff leaders.
Effective Monday, October 19, 2009 the following new precautions are in place:
- Visitors who are well, may visit patients.
- Visitors 16 years of age and older may visit patients. This policy has been put in place because children are the most vulnerable population to the H1N1 virus. These guidelines safeguard our patients who are vulnerable to exposure to infection, and provide protection while their health is compromised.
- Visitors who are ill or children under 16 will be unable to visit inpatients. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances for critically ill patients and other special circumstances. Such exceptions will be considered on an individual basis by the nursing leader for the inpatient unit. Contact the Nursing Supervisor if you encounter an individual who may be an exception.
- Visits are limited to 2 people at a time.
Please do not visit patients if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, coughing, loss of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. If you get sick the CDC recommends that contact your physician, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. More information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO.
