Visitor Restrictions in ICU

Flu causes visitor restrictions at Fort Memorial Hospital ICU

FORT ATKINSON – Because of the prevalence of H1N1 (swine) flu in the local, general population, Fort Memorial Hospital has initiated limited visitor restrictions and screening criteria in the Intensive Care Unit.  The restrictions apply to those persons considered to be in the high risk group for serious medical complications if exposed to the flu.  These persons, in no particular order, are:

•       Pregnant women

•       Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers)

•       Children age 6 months – 4 years

•       Children and adolescents age 5-18 years who have chronic medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

The Intensive Care Unit staff encourages visitors to abide by these additional restrictions and recommendations:

•       Two visitors at a time

•       Immediate family/support people only

•       No children under the age of 18 without permission

•       Do not visit if you have a cough, fever, are sneezing or feel ill

•       Please wash your hands before going into ICU

Family members and visitors with any special needs or concerns are encouraged to discuss them with the nursing staff.  The restrictions above refer only to the Intensive Care Unit, although visitors to any area of the hospital should practice safe hygiene before visiting and refrain from visiting if ill.

###