To the Community,

 

Flu season is here.  St. Catherine Hospital, in an effort to protect against the spread of communicable disease to our patients, staff and visitors, is joining other hospitals across the country in the implementation of stricter visitation guidelines for the next several months. 

 

These precautions are based on recommendations from the CDC and are intended to protect the community as a whole. Our goal is to decrease the high risk of exposure to an extremely communicable disease in all patient care areas. 

 

We understand how hard it is for family members when a loved one is hospitalized. However, we believe that as a family member you would want the hospital to do everything possible to protect and care for your loved one. 

 

Beginning October 1, 2009 the following visitor guidelines will apply in order to protect your loved ones:

 

·        All visitors will be limited to only those necessary for the patients’ emotional well-being and care.

·        All visitors are asked to stop at the Nurses Station before going to the patient’s room to be instructed on hand hygiene and specific precautions.

·        NO VISITORS UNDER AGE 12 ARE ALLOWED.

·        Visitors with any of the following symptoms are asked to remain at home:

o       Fever

o       Body Aches

o       Coughing

o       Sore Throat

o       Runny Nose

o       Nausea/vomiting

o       Diarrhea

We anticipate these guidelines will remain in place at least until April 1, 2010. As your community health care facility we are asking you, the community, to assist us in providing the very best care to our patients by following these guidelines. 

 

We do have patient email available on our website, www.stcath-hosp.org where you can send an email to your family member or friend and let them know you are thinking of them during their illness and encourage you to use this method of communication as an alternative to visiting. The emails are delivered daily.

 

We thank you for helping us follow the CDC guidelines.

 

 

Dr. Michael Shull                                                          Scott Taylor

Board Chairman                                                           President/CEO