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Rainy Lake Medical Center Implements Temporary Visitor Restrictions for People Under the Age of 18
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International Falls, MN (October 28, 2009) — In order to help safeguard the health of its patients, employees and visitors, Rainy Lake Medical Center is implementing a temporary visitor restriction on individuals under the age of 18. “By temporarily restricting visitors in this group we can help curb the spread of influenza virus – including seasonal and H1N1 flu,” said Brian Long, Rainy Lake Medical Center Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to ensure patient safety and the health of our staff.”
Rainy Lake Medical Center, in discussion with local and state health departments and other healthcare facilities, will revise the temporary visitor restrictions as necessary. “We recognize the restriction may be inconvenient – especially for those who have family staying in the hospital,” Doug Johnson, MD, Rainy Lake Medical Center Chief Medical Officer says, “But we’re asking for the community’s help in our effort to protect patients from being unnecessarily exposed to seasonal flu or H1N1 virus.”
Long said temporary visitor restrictions are in line with policies at other healthcare organizations throughout the state. “While specific rules vary between organizations, the widely accepted rule of thumb is that people with flu like symptoms should stay home to avoid exposing others.”
The visitor restrictions do not apply to anyone seeking medical care. “We are asking that people under 18 do not visit the facilities if it’s not medically necessary,” Long said. “We want to stress that there are no restrictions on anyone coming to the clinic or hospital to see a physician or seek medical help.”
If you have questions about influenza symptoms or whether you should see a physician, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health FluLine, a free phone-based service,
at 1-866-259-4655. The hot line is staffed by professionals who can provide information and treatment options 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
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