INDIANAPOLIS,
Indiana -- With the escalation of flu-related cases citywide, Franciscan St.
Francis Health and other area hospitals are 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 will implement a temporary visitor policy and take other proactive
measures at its Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel hospitals and Franciscan
Surgery Center, effective Friday, March
11.
The temporary visitor policy is:
- Only immediate family as identified by patient and
patient's designated support person.
- No visitors under 18 years of age unless they are
seeking medical care or are parents of pediatric patients.
- No visitors with symptoms suggestive of influenza.
"This
extra line of protection is needed right now in order to reduce the risk of
exposing patients, visitors and hospital staff to the flu virus," said
Marion County Public Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine.
"Influenza is a contagious virus that can cause significant illness and,
in certain cases, lead to hospitalization or death."
We
apologize for any inconvenience to families; however, this policy is to protect
the health of patients at our hospitals.
Visitors should call the Franciscan
St. Francis Health hospital they plan to visit before arriving with any questions
about the restrictions. Indianapolis 317-528-5000; Mooresville 317-831-1160; Carmel 317-705-4500; and
Franciscan Surgery Center 317-528-5900.
