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October 23, 2009
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In Face of Flu, Valley Health Modifies Visitor Policies
With the incidence of flu on the upswing, hospitals in the Valley Health system are altering visitation policies to limit the spread of the disease among staff, patients and visitors.
Beginning Tuesday, October 27, visitors to Valley Health hospitals, which include Warren Memorial, Shenandoah Memorial, Page Memorial, Hampshire Memorial and Winchester Medical Center, must be at least 18 years of age. Also, patients can have only two visitors at a time.
In addition, visiting hours at Winchester Medical Center are shortened to four hours a day: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other system hospitals may alter visitation hours too, if conditions warrant.
The age restriction is prompted by the fact that youngsters are more likely to get H1N1 flu, and can be infected longer. They are at greater risk of carrying and spreading the virus.
Terry Sinclair, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, says these policy restrictions will remain in place until the flu season passes in late winter or early spring. Hospitals across the country are taking similar steps.
“The spread of H1N1 influenza in our area prompted us to take measures to protect our patients, staff and visitors,” says Sinclair. “Because it is difficult to determine who may be infected with flu, individuals can be contagious before they have flu symptoms, which include fever and cough.”
Spouses, significant others, parents or children who provide direct care may be granted expanded visiting hours. Exceptions to the policy are made by the physician or charge nurse for the specific unit.
“Each of our hospitals has been focused on this issue for months,” says Floyd Heater, President of Shenandoah Memorial Hospital. “As a system our response reflects our commitment to all the communities we serve - patients, visitors and employees - to provide a safe environment.”
Visitors to Winchester Medical Center are asked to use either the main hospital entrance or the outpatient entrance when coming to see a patient. Other entrances to inpatient care areas will be closed to visitors. Signs will be posted to direct visitors to the proper entrances. Visitors who park in the North parking deck can use the hospital shuttle service to get to the main entrance.
Additionally, all community youth programs conducted at Winchester Medical Center are on hold or will be rescheduled at a later date. The Come Explore Health Professions youth event on Thursday, November 19, has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 8, 2010.
Valley Health is a non-profit regional healthcare system serving a population of 450,000 in northwest Virginia and adjacent counties in West Virginia. Valley Health includes five hospitals: Winchester Medical Center, a 411-bed regional referral center, Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, VA, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, VA, Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, VA, and Hampshire Memorial Hospital in Romney, WV. Valley Health also manages War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs, WV. Additional services include Surgi-Center, Urgent Care, a regional medical transport service, durable medical equipment stores, a retail pharmacy and more.
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