Given the growing presence of influenza in our community – especially among young people – Thompson Health is restricting those 18 and younger from visiting patients in its hospital as well as residents in its skilled-nursing facility and its enriched living community.
The change, which takes effect immediately in F.F. Thompson Hospital, the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center and Clark Meadows, is similar to recent visitor restrictions imposed at other Rochester area healthcare facilities. In the hospital, it includes The Birthing Center, where mothers and their newborns are both considered high risk for the novel H1N1 strain of influenza.
The restriction also applies to adults who are experiencing the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our patients, residents and staff, so we appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we take these precautionary measures during the flu season,” said Dr. Carlos R. Ortiz, Senior Vice President of Medical Services for Thompson Health.
Thompson will continue to closely monitor the situation in the community and may implement further restrictions in the future, Ortiz said.
Those who do refrain from visiting are invited to take advantage of a free service offered by Thompson Health, Health-e-Gram. Through this service, available at www.ThompsonHealth.com, emails to patients and residents are hand-delivered by Thompson volunteers, Monday through Friday. In addition, flowers and a variety of gifts and personal items may be sent to patients and residents by calling the Thompson Guild at (585) 396-6662.
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