The Rhode Island Department of Health released the below …
Rhode Island Hospital
Flu pandemics -- epidemics on a global scale -- have struck …
Advertisement
Flu fears mean new rules at hospitals
Lifespan has new restrictions for hospital visits
Updated: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009, 6:43 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009, 6:43 AM EDT
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rising concerns over the H1N1 flu virus has made for a major change in visitation policies at Lifespan hospitals in Rhode Island.
Effective immediately, tough restrictions are in place in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. It bans anyone under 18-years-old, and anyone with flu like symptoms from visiting patients. The ban is in place at Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Miriam Hospital, and Newport Hospital.
"We've done this in order to keep our patients, our patients families and our staff safe." said Mary Cooper, Senior VP Quality Officer for Lifespan. "We are not doing things like mandating vaccinations among our staff. We're not doing things like restricting our patients from going out of their rooms for tests." she added.
Under special circumstances, there will be exceptions to visiting restrictions. Hospital officials also say the restrictions could change as the season progresses and more information about the flu virus becomes available.
Ground rules for posting comments: No profanity or personal attacks. Please comment on the subject of the story itself. If you do not follow these rules, we will remove your post. Keep it civil, folks!
Our commenting section is powered by IntenseDebate. If you registered for an account but didn't receive a verification e-mail, check your spam folder or click here for more information. For additional technical help, click here.
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single PageAdvertisement
Advertisement