Atlantic General Hospital And Health System Announces Suggested Guidelines For Visitors
01-11-2013
Guidelines released in light of Flu Epidemic
In an effort to protect the community against the spread of seasonal flu,
Atlantic General Hospital and Health System announced today a set of suggested
guidelines for visitors to the hospital.
The guidelines are as follows:
• Patients should limit their visitors to no more than two to protect
them and others.
• Individuals with upper respiratory illness (cough, fever, etc.)
are asked not to visit patients.
• Children under the age of 18 and the elderly are encouraged to
NOT visit patients at this time. Special accommodations will be made for
end of life circumstances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
has indicated that young people and the elderly are more at risk as carriers
and transmitters of the seasonal flu.
• Individuals with Atlantic General Health System outpatient or physician
appointments are encouraged to come to those appointments without their
children under age 18, unless the appointment or health care service is
for the child.
• To reduce the risk of exposure, it is recommended that pregnant
women not visit unless seeking medical treatment.
“We do not want to inconvenience our patients and their loved ones,
but we have established these recommended guidelines to protect our community
as much as possible from the flu virus,” said Michaelann Frate,
director of infection control at Atlantic General Hospital. “The
best ways to prevent the spread of the illness are to wash your hands
frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid crowded
public places as much as possible when experiencing symptoms.”
“For those with flu-like symptoms, the Atlantic ImmediCare locations
are optimal places to receive care. Patients can get in to see a provider,
pick up any over-the-counter or prescription medication they may need
and go home,” said Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital.
Hospital officials are advising if you have not already received the influenza
vaccine, try to get it.
Vaccines are still available in all of Atlantic General Health System offices.
Worcester County residents that are not patients of AGHS should contact
their primary care provider to schedule an appointment. If their primary
care provider does not have the vaccine, the hospital advises that you
check with retails outlets, such as pharmacies, and our local health department
at 410-632-1100.
The Worcester County Health Department does have the vaccine. They have
ordered more and expect to receive the shipment of additional vaccine
next week.
About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the
residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties
since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated
community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md.
combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology
and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than
25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and
visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General
Hospital, visit
www.atlanticgeneral.org
.