We take the health of our patients, our employees, and the community very seriously There are “Keep It Clean!” stations installed throughout our Hospital facilities where anyone can get sanitizing wipes, tissues, hand hygiene products, and “Toss it!” bags for used wipes and tissues—all of which will help reduce the spread of viral and bacterial infections, including influenza.    

In addition, we are:
•  Offering employees influenza vaccines. We offer the seasonal influenza vaccine to all employees and will offer them the 2009 novel H1N1 vaccine as soon as it’s available.

•  Educating our staff and the public. We’re working to educate the public and our staff about the importance of prevention and limiting the spread of influenza. In addition to promoting correct hand hygiene and cough etiquette, we are encouraging our staff to be vaccinated.

•  Keeping sick patients protected. We have protective policies in place for healthcare workers, patients, and visitors alike, and we offer a surgical mask to any patient who is exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Our Hospital staff knows the importance of following this policy at all times.

•  Promoting clean hands. We work hard to ensure that all healthcare workers and visitors clean their hands frequently and always when entering and leaving any patient’s room. “Clean hands” is one of our most important messages, both within and outside the Hospital.

•  Screening visitors. We are asking all visitors to avoid coming to the Hospital if they do not feel well.

•  Protecting patients by ensuring that they do not come into contact with patient care employees who have the flu. If our caregivers get sick with the flu, they must stay home from work until they have been fever-free for 24 hours in accordance with the CDC recommendations. This will help prevent transmission of influenza from staff to patients.