Oct 22, 2009 2:54 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Hospitals Ban Kid Visits Amid Flu Concerns
No Visitors Under 18 In Southcoast Hospitals' Maternity Or Pediatric Units
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Three Massachusetts hospitals have changed their visitor policy in hopes of limiting access to patients most at risk for H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
The Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham will limit maternity and pediatric visitors to people who are over the age of 18 -- and that includes siblings. "Southcoast Hospitals is asking the public to avoid visits to friends and family in the hospital if they have cold or flu symptoms," said Patrick Gannon, Vice President of Quality & Safety for Southcoast Hospitals Group.
The new policy will go into effect on Monday.
Watch: Swine Flu FAQs Answered
In a written statement, Gannon also reminded parents that sick children should never come to the hospital to visit a patient, no matter what time of year it is. No visitor, no matter what age, who has flu or cold symptoms will be allowed in the hospitals. "It is always important to protect against the flu, but this year the added threat of H1N1 flu makes it even more important that we all do our part to protect ourselves and our community," said Marcia Liggin, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group.
Hospital officials say the decision to limit visitors was based on federal health official recommendations. "We understand this may be a disappointment to our parents, but H1N1 poses a serious health risk to infants and children in our care and our staff members," said Janine Fontaine, RN, Director of Women's Health for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Infants are thought to be at higher risk for severe illness from H1N1 and little is known about the prevention of H1N1 flu infections in infants. It is our responsibility to be proactive in keeping them safe."
Other hospitals across the country have imposed similar restrictions, based on government advice.
Concord Hospital in New Hampshire imposed a ban in September. Hospitals in Portland, Oregon, Minneapolis and Brooklyn have similar policies.
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