HCA Southwest Virginia Takes Extra Measures to Lessen the Spread of H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Virus

Salem, VA, Oct. 22, 2009 -- In order to combat what may be one of the worst flu seasons in recent history, HCA Virginia Health System announced today extra measures that will be taken to lessen the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu virus.

Temporary visitation policies at all HCA Southwest Virginia Hospitals – Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Alleghany Regional, Montgomery Regional, and Pulaski Community -- will go into effect Monday, October 26, and remain effective throughout the flu season: 

• Individuals under the age of 18 will be restricted from all areas of the hospital unless being treated as a patient.
• In all inpatient units, adult visitors are limited to two people at a time.
• Visitors may be required to wear masks or other protective clothing when visiting.
• On the Maternity Unit, visitors are limited to the parents, significant other of the mother, and the grandparents of the newborn.
• All maternity tours will be canceled through the duration of the flu season.
• While individuals are discouraged from visiting patients with flu-like symptoms, if visitation is necessary, only one visitor at a time will be allowed and a mask and other protective gear will be required.
• If the influenza pandemic warrants further limitations, visiting hours may be restricted at the discretion of the hospitals.

"We are taking these extra measures to make certain we have the safest possible environment for our patients who are much more vulnerable to the effects of the flu,” said Victor E. Giovanetti, President, HCA Southwest Virginia. “We also need to keep our employees healthy, as well as anyone who comes through the doors of all our hospitals.”

Previous measures implemented by the four hospitals in early October included the requirement of all its employees being vaccinated against the seasonal flu or wearing a mask when entering patient-care areas.

“With our integrated healthcare system, many patients receive care from the HCA hospital in their local community, as well as Lewis-Gale, so we are implementing a consistent policy throughout the region at all four hospitals,” added Giovanetti.   “We know these restrictions will be an inconvenience for some patients and their families, but these steps are in the best interest of our patients and the entire community as we work to limit the spread of flu.”

With widespread H1N1 flu, the decision to prohibit those under 18 is based on the fact that children, in particular, are more likely to get H1N1 flu and they can be infectious for longer periods of time, putting them at greater risk of carrying the virus into health care settings.  Limited exceptions for special circumstance visitations will be made, for example, involving patients at the end of life or expectant and new fathers under the age of 18. These exceptions will be evaluated and determined at the discretion of the health care providers.

Each year in the United States more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and 36,000 people die from the flu. This year the H1N1 flu may cause a more dangerous flu season, with many more people getting sick and hospitalized and higher mortality rates. Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, and fatigue, with the additional symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea associated with the H1N1 flu.  For more information go to hcavirginia.com

###
About HCA Virginia
HCA Virginia is a network of locally managed hospitals, surgery centers, outpatient diagnostic and treatment facilities, and physician practices in Central, Southwestern, and Northern Virginia.  HCA Virginia has 10,000 full-time employees statewide.  Each year it provides approximately $100 million in free care to the uninsured, pays $100 million in taxes and donate monies to dozens of non-profit organizations and causes.  In Southwest Virginia, HCA Virginia includes Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Alleghany Regional Hospital, Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Montgomery Regional Hospital, Pulaski Community Hospital, Lewis-Gale Physicians, the Montgomery Imaging Center, the Imaging Center at Brambleton, and Blue Ridge Surgery Center.   For more information see www.HCAVirginia.com. 

CONTACT:
HCA Virginia – Southwest Market 
Nancy May, Vice President
Marketing & Public Relations
(540) 776-4754 or (540) 537-3475   

Brandi Dawson
Marketing Coordinator
(540) 772-2890