In an effort to reduce possible flu exposure to patients, staff and visitors, Sylvan Grove Hospital is implementing a new visitation policy during the flu season.
Until further notice, Sylvan Grove is restricting the age of visitors to the hospital. Children ages 14 and younger will not be allowed to visit patients in the hospital. During this time, the hospital asks that children in this age group not come to the hospital unless seeking treatment.
Additionally, all visitors need to keep their stays short and limit the number of family and friends visiting a patient at one time. Those with flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat or fever should also avoid visiting the hospital unless seeking treatment.
Since pregnant women and patients in intensive care units are at higher risk of developing complications from H1N1 flu, Sylvan Grove also asks that visits to and by pregnant women be minimized. The hospital also understands the need for family members to visit with loved ones on those units and will work closely with families on a case-by-case basis and provide appropriate precautionary measures.
"We are committed to the best quality care at Sylvan Grove Hospital,” says COO Edward Whitehouse. “We want to take a proactive approach during this unusual flu season to protect both our patients and the community.
"Children and adolescents may more quickly spread the H1N1 flu virus to others because they are more susceptible to the H1N1 strain and are often contagious before they exhibit symptoms. Therefore, we are modifying our visitation policy to keep the risks as low as possible.”
Administration, physicians and staff are in constant contact with infectious disease specialists and the public health department while monitoring the H1N1 flu in our area.
Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout Sylvan Grove, and personal protective equipment is available if needed.
Sylvan Grove Hospital, part of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, is a 25-bed facility that has been serving the needs of Butts County since 1962. As a Critical Access Hospital, Sylvan Grove can provide initial inpatient care and treatment for illnesses and injuries. Sylvan Grove Hospital also offers a swing bed program that allows patients who need more rehabilitative care to remain at a hospital rather than being transferred to a long-term care facility. The hospital includes an emergency room and a wide range of outpatient services including physical, occupational and speech therapy, sleep medicine, diagnostic services and pulmonary evaluation programs. To learn more about Sylvan Grove Hospital, visit www.sylvangrovehospital.com.