ASHEBORO- The spread of influenza in our community has prompted Randolph Hospital to take additional measures to protect patients, staff and visitors. Until further notice, Randolph Hospital will not allow visitors who are displaying any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough or sore throat. Additionally, people younger than 12 years of age will not be allowed to enter the hospital unless they are at the hospital as a patient including siblings of maternity patients. Visitors to the hospital should be limited to no more than two per patient at any given time and visitors may be asked to wear masks, gloves or protective gowns when visiting patients.
“We feel these restrictions are a necessary step to protecting our patients, staff and adult visitors as the reports of increasing cases of flu appear throughout the region,” said Debbie Dowling, Senior Director of Quality Management. “We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and may add additional restrictions if necessary.”
Further precautions at Randolph Hospital also entail increased availability of masks, gloves and alcohol-based hand sanitizer at all major entrances into the facility as well as signage displaying the visitation restrictions.
“We understand that these additional restrictions may be an inconvenience for patients and families, but we ask for your understanding and patience as we work to limit the spread of flu. Protecting our patients who have a weakened immune system or who are at a higher risk for infection such as pregnant women and newborn infants, is a first step in controlling the spread of flu this season,” said Dowling.
The visitation policy will remain in effect until the rate of flu in the region has significantly decreased. To help reduce the spread of flu, the following universally approved precautions are recommended for everyday use:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands often and with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze; alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Stay home if you are sick
The hospital is encouraging friends or loved ones to call, write a letter or send an electronic cheer card through Randolph Hospital’s website as an alternative to visiting patients at the hospital. Randolph Hospital thanks the public for its cooperation in helping to protect the safety of our patients, staff and visitors. For more information on the flu please refer to these resources.www.cdc.gov or www.randolphhospital.org.