North Country Hospital makes changes to visiting policy in anticipation of H1N1 flu

People suffering from flu-like symptoms and children younger than 18 have been asked to stay away from North Country Hospital to ward off the spread of the H1N1 virus. Citing the rising number of residents suffering from the flu virus, North Country is instituting temporary visitor restrictions effective Monday, October 5, as a precautionary measure to keep their patients, staff and the visiting public safe.
“These precautions are in the best interests of our patients as the flu season begins,” said Dr. Paul Newton, medical director of the Emergency Department. “Patient safety and infection control are top priorities for us. We recognize that this flu season will not be like others in recent memory and we have made plans that anticipate different levels of a flu outbreak. The visiting policy changes are part of that plan.” Pregnant women, children of all ages, and people compromised by other acute and chronic illnesses are especially susceptible to the virus.
The visiting policy changes affect the maternal child health, med/surg and intensive care units. Normal visiting hours are temporarily being restricted to between 2 pm and 7 pm daily. In addition, patients and families are being asked to designate only two principle visitors. Children under 18 year of age are barred from visiting. Only those children seeking evaluation or treatment should be at the hospital.
The hospital is also asking patients who come to the emergency department or have scheduled tests, procedures or surgery to have only one or two healthy persons accompany them. Those with a fever should "please stay home." Those with a cough, sore throat, runny nose, or sneezing should wear a mask while at the hospital. Visitors must wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Families encountering a special situation such as a gravely ill patient should contact the nursing supervisor to ensure that safety protocols are followed for the protection of patients as well as the visitors. “We understand that visitors and family are a very important part of a patient's recovery process and we understand that this can be a hardship for them and we appreciate their understanding and cooperation," said Newton. North Country Health System is also mounting a strong campaign to encourage members of the community to get seasonal flu vaccine at one of their seasonal flu clinics. When it is available, H1N1 vaccine will be given by primary providers to those who are designated to be at risk.
The hospital will have signs posted to remind the public about the temporary visiting policies. For further details and information about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu please visit our website at www.nchsi.org.
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