Chester River Health System Updates Visitation Policy for 2009-2010 Flu Season
Due to the challenging flu season Chester River Health System modified the Chester River Hospital Center’s Visitation Policy for the 2009-2010 Flu Season, in an effort to help prevent the spread of Seasonal Flu and H1N1. The 2009-2010 Flu Season runs from October 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010. Chester River Hospital Center focuses on the health and safety of our patients, the community and our employees. During this flu season Chester River Health System appreciates the support, patience, and cooperation while this temporary visitation policy is in effect.
Only two (2) visitors are allowed to visit a patient at any one time at Chester River Hospital Center.
No children under the age of eighteen (18) will be permitted to visit any patient of the hospital, unless he/she is a parent of a child in the hospital; or has a family member with a severe illness in the hospital. Exceptions may be made by the Nurse Manager/Administrative Supervisor in consultation with the staff caring for the patient. Please make childcare arrangements for children under the age of 18 when you are planning your visit to a patient.
Visitors should refrain from visiting in the hospital if they have any symptoms of illness, including but not limited to:
Fever (greater than 100° F)
Cough
Sore Throat
Runny nose or sneezing
Nausea, vomiting
Eye Infection
Open skin rash or wound
Visiting hours will be limited on all inpatient units to the following:
Noon – 1 pm, 3 pm – 4 pm, 7 pm – 8 pm
Visitors are encouraged to use the hand sanitizer that is available throughout the hospital. And, when you are visiting patients, please wash hands frequently before and after your visit. As an additional precaution, masks are available for all visitors, too.
Visitors may be requested to limit their visitation frequency or duration based on identified patient needs (i.e., request for privacy, medical or social limitations).
These guidelines are subject to change throughout the course of flu season. The hospital reserves the right to restrict a visitor to the hospital at any time. All other visitor guidelines outlined in the approved Visitors Policy will be strictly adhered to.
“We know that this is a very challenging flu season for the communities we serve, and we are trying our best to protect the health and safety of our patients, the community and our employees, “ commented Julie Vallecillo, director marketing and public relations at Chester River Health System. “That is why it was important to make temporary changes to our visitation policy for the 2009-2010 Flu Season, “ Ms. Vallecillo added.
For more information, please call the corporate communications department at 410-778-7654, or email jvallecillo@chesterriverhealt.org.
