FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/3/2009 3:00:00 AM
CENTRAL
Updated:
9/3/2009 7:16:53 PM
CENTRAL
Lake Region Healthcare temporarily restricts visitation to Birthing Suite unit
Due to a safety precaution to limit the spread of influenza, Lake Region Healthcare is temporarily restricting patient visitation in the Birthing Suite Unit to healthy fathers or significant others only.
The hospital began restricting visitors to the Birthing Suite Thursday, said Lori Larson, community and public relations manager at Lake Region Healthcare. The fact that newborns and young children are susceptible to the disease triggered the restriction.
As always, all visitors should use common sense and make every effort to make sure patients are not put in risk of catching the influenza and minimize the chance for any other illness. Family and visitors who are ill or have symptoms of any illness should stay away from the hospital. Patients who are hospitalized for an illness already have weakened defenses and if someone from outside brings the flu bug in, it could make their illness significantly worse. Flu-like symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, or sore throat. Take everyday preventative actions by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and if you are sick, stay home.
The restriction will remain in effect until further notice.