(Oct. 12, 2009) Hospitals across Colorado are implementing visitor restrictions in an effort to protect patients, visitors and employees from H1N1 and seasonal flu.
All Colorado hospitals are restricting individuals with flu-like symptoms from visiting their facilities and most are not allowing children to visit. Many of the state’s hospitals also are limiting the number of visitors in patient rooms.
“Colorado hospitals are committed to ensuring the safety of their patients, visitors and staff during the influenza season,” said Colorado Hospital Association President and CEO Steven J. Summer. “While these temporary changes to visitation policies may be difficult for some families, it’s truly in the best interest of everyone’s health to limit exposure.”
Visitation restrictions implemented by some Colorado hospitals and health systems include:
• Centura Health: Restricting visitors 18 and under; Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs is currently restricting visitors age 12 and under.
• HealthONE: All hospitals are restricting visitors 18 and under.
• Exempla: Effective mid-October, visitors under the age of 18 will be restricted; all visitors will be screened for flu symptoms when they enter the hospital.
• Banner Health: All Colorado hospitals are restricting visitors 12 and under.
• Denver Health: Restricting visitors 12 and under.
• The Children’s Hospital: Restricting visitors 12 and under.
The public should be aware that as H1N1 continues to spread, restrictions are likely to change. Therefore, anyone planning to visit a hospital should call the facility or check the hospital’s website prior to visiting. Restrictions will be strictly enforced and hospitals will not allow children to be unattended in waiting areas.
About the Colorado Hospital Association
CHA works on behalf of Colorado’s 92 hospitals and health systems to transform and improve health care through advocacy and representation, leadership, education and information. For more information, visit www.cha.com.
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