MONTEREY, Calif. - To protect patients, visitors, and staff, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is implementing new restrictions on visitors during the flu season.
Beginning Wednesday, October 28, all visitors to Community Hospital and its Westland House facility must be 18 years of age or older. Previously, there was no age limit. In addition, patients who have the flu will be permitted to have only two designated visitors per day.
"We know that visits from loved ones are an important part of the healing process," says Steven Packer, MD, president and chief executive officer. "But due to the expected severity of this flu season, we believe these precautions are in the best interest of our patients, staff, volunteers, and visitors to our inpatient facilities. We hope the community understands and helps us achieve this extra level of safety."
The age restriction is being put in place because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that H1N1 (swine) flu is more likely to occur, and to be more serious, among children and young people. People can be infectious even before symptoms appear, so we are taking this extra precaution to protect patients, visitors, and staff.
The restriction on the number of visitors to patients with the flu is being made to reduce the chances of infection and to preserve resources such as masks. Anyone who enters the room of a patient with H1N1 flu must wear a special mask. Due to increased demand for masks, manufacturers are having trouble keeping up with orders.
"Hospitals around the country are implementing similar restrictions as we all work to control the spread of flu," Packer says. "Like other hospitals, Community Hospital is experiencing an increase in patients with the flu or flu-like symptoms, so we feel it is important to take these steps."
The visitor limitations will be evaluated throughout the flu season and eliminated when they are no longer considered necessary. Exceptions will be made in special circumstances, such as when a visit is deemed critical because of the patient's condition. Families who anticipate such a situation are asked to call the hospital and speak with the administrative supervisor or call Westland House and speak to the charge nurse before visiting.
