BCHS temporarily restricts visitation
Due to the current influenza outbreak, as a safety precaution for patients and staff, Battle Creek Health System is temporarily restricting all visitors under the age of 18 from the hospital. In the Family Birth Center, this restriction applies to everyone no matter their age with the exception of 'healthy fathers and significant others.'
"We are putting this restriction in place because patients, especially newborns and young children, are highly susceptible to illness," says Ann Pelissier Neeld, RN, MSN, MBA, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at BCHS. "It is our hope that all visitors who have symptoms of any illness will be sensitive to the health of others around them and avoid visiting patients who are hospitalized. Because patients already have weakened defenses, when someone from the outside brings the flu in, it can make patient illnesses significantly worse. We are asking that if you are not healthy, no matter your age, to not come to the hospital to visit others. Please stay home."
Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, or sore throat.
The simplest method of avoiding the spread of infection is frequent hand washing, preferably with antibacterial soap from a sanitary dispenser. Other things that will help are:
Avoid contact with people who are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to elude spreading germs
If you are sick, do not go in to work or school
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (If you lack a tissue or handkerchief, use the sleeve of your shirt or blouse)
Wash your hands again and often
Get an influenza vaccination
This restriction will remain in effect until further notice.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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