HCA tightens flu visitation restrictions at local hospitals

WSLS News Staff

Published: October 22, 2009

HCA Virginia Health Systems says it will take additional precautions at its hospitals to restrict the spread of the swine flu and regular flu.

HCA owns and operates: Lewis Gale Medical Center, Montgomery Regional Hospital, Pulaski Community Hospital, and Alleghany Regional Hospital.

The new rules take effect Monday, Oct. 26th, According to a news release, they include:

Individuals under the age of 18 will be restricted from all areas of the hospital unless being treated as a patient
In all inpatient units, adult visitors are limited to two people at a time
Visitors may be required to wear masks or other protective clothing when visiting
On the Maternity Unit, visitors are limited to the parents, significant other of the mother, and the grandparents of the newborn
All maternity tours will be canceled through the duration of the flu season
While individuals are discouraged from visiting patients with flu-like symptoms, if visitation is necessary, only one visitor at a time will be allowed and a mask and other protective gear will be required
If the influenza pandemic warrants further limitations, visiting hours may be restricted at the discretion of the hospitals

“We are taking these extra measures to make certain we have the safest possible environment for our patients who are much more vulnerable to the effects of the flu,” said Victor E. Giovanetti, President, HCA Southwest Virginia, in the release. “We also need to keep our employees healthy, as well as anyone who comes through the doors of all our hospitals,” he added.