NCMC implements new visitor guidelines for flu season

GREELEY, Colo. (Sept. 3, 2009) —North Colorado Medical Center has announced that it is implementing new visitor restrictions as an additional precautionary measure to ensure a safe environment for patients and protect patients, visitors and employees during the influenza season.

People 12 years of age and younger will no longer be allowed to visit patient care areas such as patient rooms, medical imaging, therapy areas and outpatient service areas. Research indicates that young people in this age group are the more at-risk population as carriers and transmitters of the flu and H1N1 virus. Young people who do come to visit at the hospital will be asked to remain in waiting areas and must be supervised by an adult at all times.
 
“We realize this is a significant change in our visitation policy,” said Gene Haffner, NCMC Director of Public Relations. “With the increasing number of confirmed influenza A and H1N1 cases in the state, we feel implementing this at this time is in the best interests of our patients and the community.”
 
As additional safety measures, the staff at NCMC also requests that you:

• Restrict visits to the hospital if you are exhibiting signs of possible flu (fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose). Ask friends and family members who may plan a visit to the hospital to do the same.
• Wash your hands often -- especially before entering a patient’s room and when leaving the room. Sinks, soap and hand sanitizers are available on all nursing units and throughout the hospital. Vigorously rub your hands together using soap and water for 15 seconds or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough into your elbow, and encourage others to do the same.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• People who schedule outpatient appointments in other facilities operated by the hospital also will be asked to come to appointments without their children.

“Our goal is to protect the health and safety of our patients, many of whom are already vulnerable and susceptible to more serious illness, as well as the health care team providing services to those patients and families,” said Haffner. “We would appreciate the understanding and cooperation of visitors and guests to the hospital in assisting us in reaching our goal.”