BREAKING: Memorial Hospital Issues Visitation Restrictions as Flu Spreads

FROM LOCAL SOURCES 

JASPER -- In response to the increase in influenza cases nationwide and in the Tri-State area, the hospital members of the Community Patient Safety Coalition are implementing unified hospital visitation restrictions effective Tuesday, December 31, 2019. 

Memorial Hospital in Jasper is one of those facilities putting restrictions in place.

The restrictions include:

·      No visitors with influenza-like symptoms in the hospitals. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting or diarrhea.

·         No visitors under the age of 15.

·         No visitors other than immediate family or other significant persons as defined by the patient.

Exceptions to these restrictions may be made for cases involving critically ill patients and end-of-life situations. Some restrictions may be modified to accommodate healthy siblings of newborn babies.

These restrictions were developed using recommendations from the Vanderburgh County Health Department.

Visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently while in the hospital and wear protective face masks when instructed.

The flu can cause serious complications and even death, especially in the very young, the elderly, and those with certain existing medical conditions. These measures are being taken in an effort to protect patients, families, and hospital staff. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.

Community Patient Safety Coalition Hospitals Include:

Daviess Community Hospital, Washington                                             Methodist Health, Henderson, KY

Deaconess Health System                                                                             Methodist Health, Morganfield, KY

Evansville Surgery Center                                                                              Select Specialty Hospital

Gibson General Hospital, Princeton                                                          St. Vincent Evansville

Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes                                                        St. Vincent Warrick

Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation                                        St. Vincent Orthopedic Hospital

Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, Jasper                             The Women’s Hospital