Indiana has seen an increase in flu activity in the past three weeks. To protect patients, families and team members from unnecessary potential exposure to the flu virus, IU Health North Hospital, IU Health Saxony Hospital and IU Health Tipton Hospital are among the Indiana University Health locations (including IU Health Methodist Hospital, IU Health University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health) taking the precautionary measure of restricting patient visitors to its hospital. This temporary policy took effect on March 11.
“We take the safety of our patients and team members very seriously,” said Dr. Douglas Webb, medical director of infection control for IU Health. “These temporary restrictions are for the protection of our patients, essential family members and IU Health team members who are instrumental in ensuring our patients receive highly skilled and innovative care.”
For patients, families and team members this means:
Only essential adults (18 or older) will be allowed to visit patients.
Visitors who have flu-like symptoms will not be allowed. Flu-like symptoms include: fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, sometimes, diarrhea and nausea occurs in children.
IU Health is also asking families to limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to the ED, outpatient surgery waiting rooms and procedure areas, primary care and specialist physician offices.
These restrictions will stay in place until it is determined they are no longer needed. If you have questions about restrictions on a specific unit, please contact the unit directly before your planned visit.
IU Health North 317.688.2000
IU Health Saxony 317.678.2000
IU Health Tipton 765.675.8500
Submitted release
