Contact: Susan Barber Lindquist
(715) 838-3012
Siblings allowed but others younger than 16 still asked not to visit maternity units
Area healthcare facilities have seen a local decrease in influenza-related visits and admissions, and recognize the value of family members’ presence to a patient’s hospitalization experience. As a result, temporary restrictions on visiting hospital, nursing home and assisted living patients have been eased at:
• Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire
• St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls
• Luther Midelfort in Barron, Bloomer, Eau Claire and Osseo
• Red Cedar Medical Center in Menomonie
As always, for the safety of our patients, any visitors who display cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, nausea, runny nose and diarrhea are asked to refrain from visiting until the visitor is symptom-free for least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Maternity units are still at higher risk for H1N1 transmission. While siblings will be allowed, other children younger than 16 still are asked not to visit maternity units at this time.
Members of the community are reminded to practice good health habits during this cold and flu season, including:
• Staying home when you are sick
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands often
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Getting vaccinated against seasonal and H1N1 influenza, as vaccine is available
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I am wondering if there has been any updates on allowing children who are under the age of 16 on the labor and delivery floor for visiting. My wife and myself have a lot of family members who are under that age and I am just wondering if they have not been lifted then if you know when they will be lifted? THANKS!!!
Thank you for your message, Jeremy. As you noted, currently siblings are allowed, but other children younger than 16 still are asked not to visit maternity units. We are, however, continuing to evaluate these temporary restrictions and will notify the public when they are lifted. We appreciate your family’s patience during this cold and flu season.