Visitor restrictions are now in place at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital as Patient Safety and Infection Prevention staff work to protect patients, staff and other visitors from influenza.
According to information provided by Manager of Quality and Patient Safety Marcie Henderson, the following visitor restrictions are in effect as of Monday, Dec. 29 2014 until further notice:
- Visitors should be kept to a minimum and should only include persons essential for the patient’s care and emotional well-being.
- No children under age 18 will be allowed to visit patients.
- Anyone with a cold, respiratory illness or fever is asked to refrain from visiting.
Over the weekend of December 27 and 28, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital saw a large increase in the number of flu cases. Henderson said that December has seen a total of 367 positive flu tests at the hospital, with 50 patients being admitted to the hospital because of influenza.
Hand hygiene is also being promoted as a critical measure to preventing the spread of influenza and other illnesses, Henderson said. All individuals are encouraged to wash hands often, including when entering, while inside and when leaving the hospital.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention at 270-417-4378.
