News Release
Des Moines hospitals continue visitor guidelines during the holidays
Protection of high-risk patients is key
December 21, 2009
To protect our high-risk patients from the H1N1 flu (infants, children and pregnant women), Iowa Health – Des Moines hospitals (Methodist, Lutheran, Blank Children’s and Methodist West) and Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines (Central, West Lakes and Franklin campuses) are continuing with patient protection guidelines that limit visitation during the holiday season.
Visitor Guidelines
To protect patients, families and health care staff, visitation to all units of the hospitals will be limited. These guidelines are temporary and in effect during the flu season, and are subject to change as necessary. The enhanced guidelines are as follows:
- No more than two visitors at a time.
- Visitors need to be 18 years of age and older.
- Exceptions may be made for cases involving critically-ill patients or end-of-life situations.
All visitors need to be in good health. If staff members see visitors coughing or sneezing, they may request the visitor to wear a mask, or request the visitor to leave the patient care area. Visitors should refrain from visiting if they have had flu-like symptoms during the past seven days. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), those symptoms include:
- Fever of 100º degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and
- Cough, and/or
- Sore throat
Additionally, to help prevent the spread of illness, all visitors are required to wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting a patient’s room.
If you are visiting an ill patient, you may be required to wear a mask. Masks are provided for your protection as well as for those around you, and to help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses.
Suggestions for ways of communicating with your loved one during the holidays:
- Log on to a laptop or computer to communicate with your loved one
- Send cards and letters
- Share video camera messages
- Send pictures
- Talk on the phone
Iowa Health Des Moines and Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines will continue to partner with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Polk County Health Department to monitor the status of the H1N1 influenza and its potential impact on our patients. The two hospital systems will continue to review our visitation polices and adjust accordingly.
More information about seasonal and H1N1 influenza is available by visiting the Iowa Department of Public Health Web site at: http://www.idph.state.ia.us. A statewide toll-free hotline is available for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza at 1-800-447-1985.
Contact Gregg Lagan
Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines
515-247-3050
cell 515-490-6636
