Flu Restrictions for Banner hospitals
Effective Dec. 22, Banner Health has lifted flu precautions at some of its facilities.
Because of declining rates of H1N1, Banner Health has decided to lift its systemwide flu visitor-restriction policy started in September. Banner facilites have the discretion to restrict visitors based on what H1N1 and season flu activity in their local communities.
Some hospitals are following stricter rules (including not allowing children to the hospital to visit or allowing them as far as the lobby) because of the type of patient they care for. These hospitals are:
Five Banner Health facilities have lifted the flu restrictions and are allowing children 12 and under to visit the hospital. These facilities are:
- Banner Estrella Medical Center
- Banner Lassen Medical Center
- East Morgan County Hospital
- McKee Medical Center
- North Colorado Medical Center
All other hospitals are following these general restrictions:
- Do not visit the hospital if you have signs of possible flu (runny nose, cough, fever, etc.)
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Children ages 12 and under will not be permitted in patient care areas in the hospital. Research indicates that children are the main carriers and transmitters of the flu
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Typically, patient care areas include any location where a patient may receive care, such as patient rooms, medical imaging, speech/occupational/physical therapy, outpatient services, etc. Visitor restrictions do not apply to public areas such as Waiting Rooms, Lobby, Cafeteria or Gift Shop
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Each hospital will determine what is considered a patient care area.
- Children may be allowed into patient care areas on a case-by-case basis only after a child has been provided with a respiratory mask, gloves and observes strict precautions during this visit.
- Please wash your hands often and before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Sinks and waterless hand sanitizer units are available on all nursing units.
These restrictions were developed by Banner Infectious Disease workgroup.
