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Clarian Implements Flu Restrictions
(posted May 1)
As a precaution against the potential threat of the H1N1virus, Clarian
Health is temporarily restricting non-essential patient visitors at its
downtown hospitals - Methodist, Indiana University (including the IU Simon
Cancer Center) and Riley Hospital for Children. Only essential adult visitors
- parents, spouse/domestic partner and spiritual counselors - will be allowed
to visit hospitalized patients.
This temporary policy is effective immediately.
"We know how important it can be for families and friends to visit
loved ones in the hospital, but we ask for everyone's cooperation in helping
us protect against the spread of the H1N1 virus by limiting such visits
at this time," said Douglas H. Webb, MD, epidemiologist, director
of Infection Control, Methodist Hospital.
"The temporary restriction of non-essential visitors is in the best
interest of our patients, their family members, other visitors and staff,"
continued Dr. Webb. "While we are not certain if other local hospitals
plan to take these same steps, our highly-specialized care and unique patient
population makes it important that we protect everyone from unnecessary
potential exposures to the virus."
In addition to the restriction of non-essential visitors, Clarian is asking
families to limit the number of people accompanying patients to the emergency
room; outpatient surgery waiting rooms and procedure areas; and primary
care and specialist physician offices.
The decision to temporarily restrict non-essential visitors will be reviewed
on a daily basis and lifted at the earliest appropriate time.
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