Banner Thunderbird implements visitor restrictions during flu season
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 13, 2010) Effective immediately, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center will begin enforcing visitor restrictions to protect our patients, visitors and employees during this RSV and influenza season.
Again this year, children under the age of 12 will not be permitted in the following units:
- Newborn Intensive Care Unit/Critical Care Nursery
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
- Pediatrics
- Intensive Care Unit and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
Only healthy siblings will be allowed in Women & Infant Services. These restrictions are being put into place because research indicates that children are the main carriers and transmitters of the flu.
Please follow the guidelines below during the restriction period:
- If you have signs of respiratory illness (runny nose, cough, fever, etc.), please refrain from visiting inpatient areas.
- Only health siblings will be allowed in Women & Infant Services.
- Visitor restrictions do not apply to public areas such as waiting rooms, lobbies, the cafeteria or gift shop.
Banner Thunderbird believes this solution provides options for places children could stay with an adult while others visit patients. Please do not leave children unattended.
Hand washing remains a high priority, particularly during flu season. Visitors are asked to wash hands often and before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Sinks and waterless hand sanitizer are available on all nursing units and outside patient rooms.
For more information on how to protect yourself and your family against the flu, visit www.bannerhealth.com/flu.
About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a nonprofit health system with 23 hospitals throughout the West—is a 513-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center.
