CopleyHospital has made changes to its visiting policy, effective immediately. We have done so for patient safety and infection control to limit the spread of seasonal and H1N1 influenza. Pregnant women, children and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system are in the high-risk category for complications from H1N1 influenza. We are taking extra precautions to protect high-risk patients and the staff that cares for them.
10/16/2009
COPLEYHOSPITAL CHANGES VISITING POLICYTO LIMIT SPREAD OF FLU
Morrisville, VT…Copley Hospital officials announced today changes to its visiting policy, effective immediately. According to Melvyn Patashnick, President of Copley Hospital, the changes are being made proactively for patient safety and infection control to limit the spread of seasonal and H1N1 influenza. Pregnant women, children and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system are in the high-risk category for complications from H1N1 influenza.“We are taking extra precautions to protect high-risk patients and the staff that cares for them,” said Patashnick.
The following changes are effective immediately: -Visitors should use only the Main Entrance to the hospital (open 6:30am-8:00pm).
-Visitors with signs of flu-like illness (cough, cold or fever) will not be permitted to visit. -No visitors under the age of 12.
-Two visitors per patient at a time. -Visitors must use hand sanitizer before entering the patient’s room and upon leaving the patient’s room.
-Visitors here to see a patient sick with flu-like illness must see a nurse first. Vistiors will need to wear a protective gown, mask and gloves while in the patient’s room.
-Visitors are asked to minimize contact with others in the hospital to reduce the risk of acquiring or spreading the disease.
In addition, in the Birthing Center:
-The number of people accompanying the mother-to-be is limited to two (2) persons. -These persons must remain the same throughout labor, delivery and Birthing Center Stay. No alternates will be allowed to visit. -The two visitors must have no signs of illness -No visitors under the age of 12. Patient safety and infection control are a priority at Copley. The hospital has operational plans in place to handle a surge of H1N1 influenza in the community. These changes in visiting policy are part of this plan and may change as the situation warrants.
Copley also urges everyone to practice everyday good health habits to avoid the spread of the flu. This includes:
Avoiding people who are sick
Stayinghome if you are sick
Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing; we recommend sneezing or coughing into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue
Washing your hands with soap and water often or using hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Drinking plenty of water, eating nutrious meals, and getting plenty of rest
Information about both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is available at www.copleyvt.org along with links to the Centers for Disease Control’s flu-related website, www.flu.gov. You can also call the Vermont Department of Health’s Flu Information line by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont.
