NEWS ALERT: To Reduce Flu Risk, Hospitals Limit Visitors to Age 17 and Older

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Please help us protect our patients

Main Line Health is taking seriously what is now officially a flu pandemic, and we are determined to reduce potential flu risks to our patients and staff.

Because children are more likely to catch and transmit the H1N1 flu virus, the Main Line Health visitor policy now requires that only friends and family (including siblings) 17 years and older visit our hospitals, effective Monday, Oct. 26, 2009.

In addition, visitors of any age are asked to postpone their visit if they have or recently had a fever or any other flu-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has flu-like symptoms or has been diagnosed with the flu.

This policy, which will be in effect for the duration of the flu pandemic, is consistent with guidelines from OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and is in line with policies at other hospitals in our region and across the country.

Exceptions to this policy can only be made by the treating nurse or practitioner for end-of-life and other humanitarian situations.

This new hospital-wide visitation policy joins other Main Line Health flu precautions and initiatives for the community, including:

Increased emphasis on infection prevention techniques, including hand washing. ALL visitors are asked to wash their hands before entering and upon exiting a patient’s room.
Distribution of respiratory etiquette packets for visitors
Seasonal flu vaccination programs at area schools
Free seasonal flu vaccination at 10 Philadelphia and Main Line locations, primarily for those 65 and older

Extensive information and interviews on flu prevention and treatment at www.mainlinehealth.org/fluinfo.

Thank you for your cooperation, and please know how much we care about you, your family and your health.

About MLH

Main Line Health (MLH) is a non-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs. The mission of Main Line Health is to provide a comprehensive range of safe, high-quality health services, complemented by related education and research activities that meet the healthcare needs and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Founded in 1985, MLH includes Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankenau Hospital, Paoli Hospital, Riddle Memorial Hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital; The Home Care Network; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research; Main Line HealthCare (physician network); Main Line Health Centers; Main Line Health Laboratories; Mid County Senior Services; and Mirmont Treatment Center. Main Line Health is part of Jefferson Health System (JHS), founded in 1996, whose members also include Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Magee Rehab.

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