Visitor Restrictions Implemented to Protect Patients
(posted September 21, 2009)
While the number of cases of 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu has not yet started to measurably increase in Rhode Island, the hospitals in the Lifespan health system are taking steps to limit the spread of the flu. As a precaution, the acute care Lifespan partner hospitals—Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital—have implemented visitor restrictions.
Effective today, Monday, September 21, 2009, children younger than 18 and anyone who has influenza-like illness symptoms (fever plus cough or fever plus sore throat) may not visit patients in any of the four hospitals.
“We recognize that it may cause a hardship for patients and their families,” said Mary Reich Cooper, MD, JD, Lifespan senior vice president and chief quality officer, “and we ask for their patience and understanding. We would be remiss if we did not take steps that we believe will help minimize as much as possible the spread of both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu viruses.”
Cooper noted that despite the restrictions, exceptions may be made under special circumstances. Each hospital will determine how those exceptions will be made. “Ultimately,” Cooper said, “we will continue to balance the needs of the patients, and the important role that family and friends play in a patient’s recovery, with our obligation to provide the best possible care to our patients.”
These restrictions may change as the season progresses and more information becomes available.