Meeker Memorial Hospital has implemented visitor restrictions Jan. 26, 2017. Because of the prevalence of influenza (FLU) already this season, and to further protect patients, staff, and the community from its spread, it has been decided to implement Visitor Restrictions at MMH; the following are in effect until further notice:
?Ä¢ It is recommended that no children visit hospital patients.
?Ä¢ Birth Center: No one under 18 is allowed to visit at this time, with the exception of siblings.
?Ä¢ For anyone with symptoms like scratchy throat, fever, cough, body aches, etc., a mask is required to visit patients.
?Ä¢ All visitors must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer prior to and after visitation.
?Ä¢ There are ?Äúhygiene?Äù kiosks with masks and hand sanitizer located in the center of the lobby and in the hall on 3rd Floor between the Inpatient and Behavioral Health inpatient units.
These restrictions are effective immediately and are subject to change.
?ÄúBy restricting visitors in this, way we can help protect patients and others who are most susceptible to developing influenza,?Äù says Kari Olson, Infection Control Nurse. ?ÄúWe realize this may cause inconvenience for some people, but we are taking this step in the best interest of the health of our patients, visitors and staff members.?Äù
Hospitals and other health care organizations are reporting significant increases in patients testing positive for influenza and others presenting in clinics, urgent care settings and emergency departments with flu-like symptoms.
?ÄúEveryone can make a difference to help reduce the spread of influenza and other illness by taking a few simple steps, including regularly washing your hands, covering your cough, staying home if you are sick and contacting your health care provider before going to a clinic or emergency department if you have flu-like symptoms,?Äù says Olson. For additional information and resources go to: FLU.GOV.