Dear Patients and Visitors,
To protect our patients, employees and the community from H1N1 and seasonal flu, all Presbyterian hospital facilities have restricted visitors under age 18 during flu season. Except in extreme circumstances, visitors under 18 will not be permitted unless they are patients seeking medical care. This rule applies for Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital and Rowan Regional Medical Center.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by our visitor restrictions that became effective October 1, 2009. We, along with other medical facilities in the area, have found it in the best interest of our patients and their visitors to limit hospital guests to those over the age of 17. Children are especially vulnerable to the H1N1 virus, and these restrictions will help reduce the number of cases in our hospital and the community.
According to the Center for Disease Control, children are more likely to contract the H1N1 flu, and they may carry the virus and be contagious without showing any symptoms. By keeping children who do not require medical treatment out of the hospital during flu season, we’re not only protecting our patients, but also these children from exposure.
This rule does not apply to patients in the Emergency Department. Children under 18 may be with an adult in the Emergency Department. Special arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who are visiting patients who are in end-of-life stages.
Because we always have maintained a very welcoming visitation policy, please know that this decision was difficult to make. However, we truly believe that this change will protect lives. We look forward to the time when the virus no longer is a threat so that our patients can once again enjoy visits from guests of all ages. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.
For more information on how you can prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu, visit www.noflu.org. If you have specific questions about Presbyterian’s flu season visitation policy, please contact one of our Guest Services departments.
- Presbyterian Hospital and Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital: 704-384-9360
- Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville: 704-316-6702
- Presbyterian Hospital Matthews: 704-384-6387
- Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital: 704-316-3128
