Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach takes the health risks associated with H1N1 and young children very seriously and recognize the need to manage the risks amongst our patients and their families. Because H1N1 is more likely to occur in children and because children can be infectious for longer periods of time, we have revised the visitor policy to provide a safe environment for the patients in the hospital while protecting your children.
Most hospitalized patients are already dealing with a medical problem, and contracting the H1N1 virus could put a further strain on their immune system. These restrictions are meant to minimize that risk.
Effective November 1, 2009, Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 16 years to visit in the hospitals. This policy will be in effect during the height of the flu season, usually lasting until spring, and will be re-evaluated at that time.
We understand the impact the restriction has on families that are already dealing with the complexities of their loved one’s health, but we feel very strongly about the importance of limiting the risks of exposure to our patients and staff. While we have this revised policy in place, you and your family members to take advantage of alternative ways to interact with a loved one in the hospital.
Siblings and loved ones can do the following to communicate with a patient:
- Call, e-mail or text
- Paint or color pictures for their hospital room
- Write a note or keep a journal about what’s going on at home
- Take pictures of the family, pets and friends and make an album
It is important to note that we are not alone in this executing this strategy, as other hospitals throughout the country are restricting young visitors to help reduce the exposure of this flu to patients. We hope to have an uneventful flu season and are optimistic that this strategy will aid in limiting the presence and spread of H1N1 throughout the hospital.
Meanwhile, we are advising all staff, visitors and parents (regardless of age) to not enter the hospital if symptoms of an influenza-like illness are such as a fever, coughing or a sore throat.
If you have any questions, please contact customer relations at 562-933-9315. We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our patients and our employees safe.
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