Hospital visitation policy to reduce the spread of H1N1 flu

Due to the severity of the H1N1 flu and its potential to spread to patients, children and expectant mothers, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford Hospital & Clinics announced today that effective Monday, October 19, 2009, both hospitals will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 16 inside the hospitals.

“We understand the impact this restriction will have on families that are already dealing with the complexities of their loved one’s health and we will do everything possible to make this new policy as smooth of a transition as possible,” said Christy Sandborg, MD, chief of staff and chief of rheumatology at Packard Children’s. “Like other hospitals across the country implementing this policy, we feel very strongly about the importance of limiting the risks of exposure to our patients. Our number one priority and concern remains the well-being and health of our patients.”

The H1N1 flu—also known as swine flu—has been closely studied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since the flu emerged in April 2009. The implications for infants, children and pregnant women who contract the flu can be very serious. H1N1 is more likely to occur among children, and because they can be infectious for longer periods of time, even after symptoms are gone, the hospitals recognized the need to proactively manage the risks of exposure in a serious and dedicated manner and not allow visitors and family members under 16 years.

The policy will be in effect during the height of flu season, which usually lasts until spring, and will be re-evaluated after that time. If visitation is deemed necessary given the patient’s condition or other extenuating circumstances, the hospitals will work with families on a case-by-case basis.

“Stanford Hospital and Packard Children’s take the health risks associated with the H1N1 flu very seriously,” said Martha Marsh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stanford Hospital & Clinics. “We hope to have an uneventful flu season and are optimistic that this proactive strategy will aid in limiting the presence and spread of H1N1 throughout the hospitals.”

The hospitals will also provide family members and other visitors access to information about hand hygiene and the importance of not visiting if they currently have symptoms of influenza-like illness.