Temporary policy goes into
effect Jan. 22, other measures bolstered
INDIANAPOLIS – With the
escalation of H1N1 flu-related cases being reported nationally and at hospitals
and other medical offices throughout Indiana, Franciscan
St. Francis Health is working closely with the Marion County
Health Department and Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety.
To lower the risk of
exposure to our patients, employees and visitors, Franciscan St. Francis and
other Indianapolis-area hospitals will implement a temporary visitor policy and
take other proactive measures at our hospitals at Indianapolis, Mooresville and
Carmel, effective Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Visitor restriction action
plan
Our action plan includes:
Tier 1 Visitor Policy (least
restrictive)
·
Restricting
visitation to immediate family as identified by patient and patient’s
designated support person.
·
Restricting
visitors under 18 years of age who are not seeking medical care or are parents
of pediatric patients.
·
Restricting
those with symptoms suggestive of influenza.
There have been some
questions about what constitutes immediate family members. They are
specifically defined as: Only parents (including those under the age of 18) and
step-parents, grandparents, spouses and domestic partners, and including pastoral/spiritual
care staff and the patient’s designated support person. The only exceptions to
the policy are special cases, such as visiting with patients where death may be
imminent.
Other measures Franciscan St. Francis
Hospitals will take:
·
Display
signage describing visitation policy to public.
·
Ensure
that all access points are well stocked with disposable masks and hand
sanitizers.
