Women's, Children's hospital departments restrict access to help lower risks of H1N1 flu

Because of their strong commitment to patient safety and a high level of commitment to the health of their patients, Davis Hospital and Medical Center, McKay-Dee Hospital and Medical Center, and Ogden Regional Medical Center have decided to restrict access to the hospitals respective Women's and Children's departments, beginning today. Data suggests that the action will reduce the risk of spreading H1N1 flu to some of the community's most vulnerable populations, pregnant women and infants. The hospitals are prepared to restrict visitation to other areas of the hospital if the threat increases or restore visitation if the threat decreases.The current restriction will consist of the following and are suggested for everyone's safety:No visitors under the age of 14. No one under the age of 12 or 14 (depending the specific facility) is allowed in this area of the hospital unless they are visiting for a medical reason. No sick visitors. Visitors: If you have fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, please stay home.Patients: Ask for a mask. Wear a mask if you have flu or cold symptoms, as a patient.Wash your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper sleeve."The Weber-Morgan Health Department supports these hospital measures to minimize risk of exposure and spread of the H1N1 virus. We applaud the hospitals' commitment to patient safety by promoting disease prevention and control measures", said the Director of the Weber / Morgan Health Department, Gary House.These hospitals' infection control measures will help protect pregnant mothers as well as new moms and infants from the influenza viruses as we move back into another flu season," said Lewis Garrett, director of the Davis County Health Department. "We fully support their efforts to reduce exposure to both seasonal influenza and the new H1N1 influenza."