Hospital issues new limits on children visiting
Developing volunteer corps of healthcare workers
Prince Frederick, MD (Oct. 9, 2009) - Calvert Memorial Hospital has put new limits on visitors barring children under 18 during the flu season unless they are patients. CMH is also creating a volunteer corps of healthcare workers who would be willing to help if a sudden surge of new cases occurs.
"We're taking this step because this age group is particularly vulnerable to the H1N1 (swine) flu," said Kasia Sweeney, hospital spokeswoman, "this policy will help protect them as well as our patients."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H1N1 (swine) flu is more of a threat to young people, pregnant women and people with certain health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Sweeney said the Family Birth Center is letting siblings of newborns visit if they have not been sick in the past 24 hours. Other exceptions may be made for hospice and other compassionate care situations. "This policy is consistent with what many other hospitals are doing around the state to keep their patients and communities safe," she noted.
In addition, the hospital is recruiting healthcare workers who might be willing to volunteer their time in an emergency. "Right now, we are not experiencing any widespread sickness among our staff," said Sweeney, "but we want to have as many back-up plans as possible in place." She said the hospital wants to establish a list of people who would be willing to help if there were a need in the future.
Those who are interested in submitting their name as a potential volunteer should call 410-535-8112 for more information. Sweeney said their duties would depend on their experience and background.
"No one can say what the course of this flu will be," said Sweeney. "It's early yet. We expect the number of cases to rise as the season hits its peak."
She said CMH has already begun giving its staff the seasonal flu vaccine and will soon begin administering the H1N1 vaccination. "Hospitals are just beginning to receive the H1N1 vaccine," said Sweeney, "and that will be distributed according to the priority guidelines established."
The CDC says the H1N1 virus is usually no worse than the regular seasonal flu, so people should not panic, but should still take precautions like washing hands often and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing. People who are sick should try to stay away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the virus.
"If this year's flu season becomes more severe," said Sweeney, "we may take other steps - such as adding screening stations at public entrances - to keep the flu from spreading."
Regular updates will be posted on the hospital (www.calverthospital.org) and Calvert County Health Department (www.calverthealth.org) websites. People can also call the Health Department flu line at: 410-535-5400.
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100 Hospital Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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