Banner Health Torrington implements new visitor guidelines for flu season

Torrington, Wyo. (Sept. 10, 2009) —Banner Health Torrington has announced that it is implementing new visitor restrictions as an additional precautionary measure to ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees during the influenza season.  The restrictions will exist for all facilities including Community Hospital, Goshen Care Center, Evergreen Court, and Banner Medical Clinic. 

People 12 years of age and younger are no longer allowed to visit patient care areas at Community Hospital, such as patient rooms, medical imaging, therapy areas and outpatient service areas. Research indicates that young people in this age group are the most at-risk population as carriers and transmitters of the flu and H1N1 virus.  In regards to Goshen Care Center, the Alzheimer’s Unit and Evergreen Court, people ages 12 and younger will be asked to not visit.  Anyone attending appointments at Banner Medical Clinic should only bring those who are ill.  Special situations at all facilities will be taken into consideration, but visitors may be asked to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as a gown, mask and gloves. 
 
“We realize this is a significant change in our visitation policy,” said Wendy Miller, Infection Preventionist for Banner Health Torrington. “With the increasing number of confirmed influenza A and H1N1 cases in the state, we feel implementing the policy at this time is in the best interests of our patients and the community.”
 
As additional safety measures, the staff at Banner Health Torrington also request that you:

• Do not visit Banner Health care facilities 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.  It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that those exhibiting signs of the flu refrain from contact with the public until symptoms subside.
• Wash your hands often -- especially before entering a patient or resident’s room and when leaving the room. Sinks, soap and hand sanitizers are available on all nursing units and throughout all Banner Health facilities. 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 with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.   If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and encourage others to do the same. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Again, keeping your hands clean is the single most important way to prevent illness.

“Our intention is to protect the health and safety of our patients, many of whom are already vulnerable and susceptible to more serious illness,” said Miller.  “The visitation policy will also protect the health care team, our patient’s families, and those in our community.  We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of visitors and guests to Banner Health facilities in assisting us in preventing the spread of influenza this season.”