Hospitals tighten visitor policies

Megan Stahl, 11, receives an H1N1 flu vaccine Thursday afternoon from nurse Sue Sisco at the Taney County Health Department Branson location. The health department gave out approximately 350 vaccines to children between the ages of 2-18 Thursday during its first public vaccination clinic.

By Mindy Honey
Society Editor
Originally published Oct. 31, 2009

Skaggs Regional Medical Center and hospitals in Springfield are tightening their visitor policies and will not be welcoming children into patient care areas this flu season.

“The H1N1 flu is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people,” said Skaggs Infection Control Practitioner Connie Meier. “Because of the high number of children affected by this particular strain, keeping visitors under the age of 14 out of patient care areas protects both them and our patients.”

The hospital released temporary guidelines for visitors earlier this week. Included in the new guidelines, the hospital is asking that no visitors under the age of 14 enter patient care areas and anyone with flu symptoms refrain from visiting patients.

Hospital officials are also asking visitors to wash their hands before and after visiting patients. The hospital has hand sanitizer located throughout the facility.

Anyone who is seeking medical care and has flu symptoms is asked to request a “Fight the Flu” kit at the registration desk.

Michelle Leroux, Skaggs media relations specialist, said the policy will remain in place until the flu season is deemed over.

She said they have been preparing expectant mothers for the change. Leroux said hospital staff has informed pregnant patients that after the baby is born and while in the hospital, older siblings will not be allowed to visit. She said for the most part, patients have been understanding.

Springfield hospitals have also made policy changes. Starting Wednesday, CoxHealth, Ozarks Community and Mercy St. John’s hospital’s visitors 14 and under are not permitted into patient areas.

“In the number of confirmed influenza case, over half have been in children age 14 and under,” said Angela Garrison, St. John’s Regional Medical Center spokesperson. She said the hospital will be considerate of certain situations.

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