Member News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 6, 2009

Sherman Hospital Enacts Visitor Limitation Policy

Effective Friday, November 6, 2009, Sherman Hospital is enacting an temporary visitor limitation policy as a measure to protect patients and help control the spread of H1N1 influenza this season.

"We have a team working closely with the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) and other area hospitals to monitor the spread of the H1N1virus and coordinate response efforts," says JoAnn Foley, chief emergency preparedness officer, Sherman Health. "We have developed our visitor limitation policy consistent with CDC guidelines."

The temporary visitor limitation policy for Sherman Hospital includes the following guidelines:

  • Family and friends who are ill with fever and/or respiratory illness should not visit patients.
  • No visitors under the age of 16, except in extraordinary circumstances (as in the case of family members who are critically or terminally ill).
  • A patient should have no more than 2 visitors at a time come to the hospital except in extraordinary circumstances (as in the case of family members who are critically or terminally ill).
  • People at high risk for influenza complications, including pregnant women and people with asthma, should not visit for their own protection during the 2009 influenza season.

Depending on patient volume and further discussions with KCHD and other area hospitals, Sherman will revise this policy as needed.

"By temporarily limiting visitors, we can help reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus, and provide the highest level of care to our patients," said Linda Deering, chief operating officer, Sherman Health. "We ask for the community's cooperation with this temporary visitor limitation."

"In addition to vaccination, hand hygiene and cough etiquette, staying home and away from people at risk when you have been exposed to or have symptoms of the flu are important ways to limit transmission," adds Foley.

For more information, please contact Michelle Howe, Marketing Specialist, Sherman Health, 847-429-8427, michelle.howe@shermanhospital.org.