|
New guidelines, including limiting visitors under 18, put in place as precaution against H1N1
Oct 30, 2009
Lake Chelan Community Hospital (LCCH) has established new guidelines for visitors in response to the spread of H1N1 in the region, said Dr. John Kremer, LCCH Chief Medical Officer. New restrictions include:
• No more than two visitors per patient at any one time
• No visitor under the age of 18 will be permitted in the hospital, with very rare exception
• Visitors to newborn and pediatric areas are limited to parents or caregivers
• Visitors with a cough or flu-like symptoms are required to wear a face mask
Lake Chelan Community Hospital is following the lead of partner hospitals in North Central Washington by implementing the new restrictions, explained Kremer. The guidelines will be evaluated on a weekly basis and will be lifted as soon as safety to patients permits. Any changes will be released to local media.
Almost all providers who serve patients at LCCH have been immunized for H1N1. Any who have not been immunized are required to wear masks while giving patient care.
Visitors and patients at LCCH will find flu care packets inside the main doors. These include a mask to be used if you have a cough or flu-like symptoms. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility.
Kremer noted there has been an increase in number of people with flu-like symptoms at LCCH this fall, but most have been discharged from the emergency room. The illness, however, can become life threatening, he continued. One local patient with H1N1 was recently airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, as all ICU beds in Wenatchee were full. Hospitals across the state are feeling the strain of H1N1 patients needing critical care, said Kremer.
Lake Chelan’s hospital has an emergency plan in place if the local emergency room becomes overwhelmed with patients, he said. Alternative care sites have been determined and will be released to the media if the need arises.
In most cases, people with the flu should stay home, drink plenty of liquids and rest. If, however, you experience shortness of breath or severe weakness, visit a doctor or your community emergency room. Children should be seen by a healthcare professional if they experience the following warning signs:
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme lethargy
• Decreased urine output
• Fever 105 degrees or above that won’t come down with Tylenol or tepid baths
Free immunizations for H1N1 will be available to local K-12 students in November. Lake Chelan Community Hospital is helping the Chelan-Douglas Health District give H1NI shots to Chelan students Nov. 14 and 16. Students from Chelan Valley Independent School, Holden Village and Stehekin are invited to attend those clinics. The health department also has a flu clinic scheduled for Manson Schools Nov. 9. Students will be bringing home information, including parent consent forms.
<< Back
|
|
 |
Back to Index
e-Release
Want to stay current?
Fill out the form below
|
|
|
