EVANSVILLE, IN – In response to the increase in influenza (flu) cases in the tri-state area, several hospital members of the Community Patient Safety Coalition are implementing unified hospital visitation restrictions effective Friday, December 29.
The restrictions include:
* No visitors with influenza-like symptoms in the hospitals. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting or diarrhea.
* No visitors age 15 or under
* No visitors other than immediate family or other significant persons as defined by the patient.
Exceptions to these restrictions may be made for cases involving critically ill patients and end-of-life situations. Some restrictions may be modified to accommodate healthy siblings of newborn babies.
Regional hospitals developed these restrictions using recommendations from the Vanderburgh County Health Department. Local health departments work in coordination with the state department of health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the spread of diseases like the flu. During week 50 (December 10-16, 2017), influenza activity sharply increased in the United States according to the CDC. Local surveillance data indicates a regional increase of flu cases during week 51. Statistics are updated each Friday.
Community Patient Safety Coalition Hospitals Implementing Visitation Restrictions:
Daviess Community Hospital
Deaconess Health System (Midtown, Gateway, and Cross Pointe)
The Heart Hospital
The Women’s Hospital
HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital
Good Samaritan Hospital (Vincennes, IN)
Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (Jasper, IN)
St. Vincent Evansville
St. Vincent Warrick
If you visit:
To protect our patients, all visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently while in the hospital and wear protective face masks when instructed. The flu can cause serious complications and even death, especially in the very young, the elderly, and those with certain existing medical conditions. Visitation restrictions are an effort to protect patients, families, and hospital staff. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.