H1N1 related changes in visitor policies?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in ER, education, mgmt.

I was wondering what, if any, changes your facilites have made in visitation policies for this flu pandemic? We have not done so at this time, but I believe there is a committee somewhere discussing it. What types of specific changes did your facilities make? What has been the response? How did you notify your patients and visitors? (handouts, signs, etc...?) Any information is much appreciated.

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

We just announced restrictions on visitation. Both hospital systems in our area are limiting visitation to 18 years and older with no visible signs of illness. Extra hand sanitizing stations are being setup. Security will be at all visitors entrances with guest services to monitor and advise visitors of the new policies. There are, of course, exceptions (dying family member, single parents, parents who are under 18). Can't wait to see how this goes.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Our facility has done something similar to what WarEagle posted, in addition to limiting the visiting hours to "blocks" throughout the day: one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are now limited to two persons.

Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, and they may also issue visitors masks or other protective clothing for use when visiting.

In the women's and children's units, visitors are limited to parents and significant others, and they are exempted from visiting hour limits.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.

Similar here,

ZERO visitors under 18 y.o. in the main hospital (ER excluded).

Also ANYONE with signs/symptoms of infection/flu/cold are not allowed regardless of age.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Ours is kids under 14, instead of 18. ICU has strictly limited their visiting hours. ER is not supposed to let kids under 14 in the waiting room, let alone in the back. I was constantly chasing kids out last night, and the parents look at me like I'm nuts. Infants! few months old! what the heck do they need to brought in for, they aren't the ones who are sick!

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In the two hospitals in my town it's no visitors under 12 and no visitors with flu like symptoms.

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