MONROE - Two area hospitals are joining hundreds of others across the county that are implementing visitation restrictions to help control the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus and to protect patients, staff and the community.
Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington issued a statement outlining its guidelines Thursday afternoon, and Monroe Clinic issued a statement about a similar pending plan.
Memorial Hospital is suggesting limited visitation with patients, including the restriction of all children under the age of 18. The hospital also is suggesting limited visitation for all people in the high risk group for H1N1, such as pregnant women, age 24 and under, other health care workers, those who live with or care for those under 6 months old, and people ages 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions.
Visitors' entry into Memorial Hospital now is limited to the main entrance and through the emergency room. Visitors may be screened at those entrances for signs and symptoms of any illness.
People seeking medical attention due to the flu are to use the emergency room entrance, where proper precautions will be provided.
Memorial Hospital also is suggesting anyone with flu symptoms consult their medical provider before seeing a specialist at the hospital.
Hospital administration, an infection control nurse and the safety manager worked together to determine these measures.
Monroe Clinic is expected to release its guidelines early next week.
"We're currently looking at all possibilities, which would balance patient safety and service," a Monroe Clinic representative said Thursday.
Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington issued a statement outlining its guidelines Thursday afternoon, and Monroe Clinic issued a statement about a similar pending plan.
Memorial Hospital is suggesting limited visitation with patients, including the restriction of all children under the age of 18. The hospital also is suggesting limited visitation for all people in the high risk group for H1N1, such as pregnant women, age 24 and under, other health care workers, those who live with or care for those under 6 months old, and people ages 25 to 64 with chronic medical conditions.
Visitors' entry into Memorial Hospital now is limited to the main entrance and through the emergency room. Visitors may be screened at those entrances for signs and symptoms of any illness.
People seeking medical attention due to the flu are to use the emergency room entrance, where proper precautions will be provided.
Memorial Hospital also is suggesting anyone with flu symptoms consult their medical provider before seeing a specialist at the hospital.
Hospital administration, an infection control nurse and the safety manager worked together to determine these measures.
Monroe Clinic is expected to release its guidelines early next week.
"We're currently looking at all possibilities, which would balance patient safety and service," a Monroe Clinic representative said Thursday.