Marion General Hospital Implements Visitor Restrictions as Flu Surges

The Indiana State Department of Health has reported widespread, high levels of influenza activity across the entire state. It is necessary to add an additional protective layer of protection.

Accordingly, Marion Health has chosen to temporarily implement visitor restrictions to protect our patients from transmission of the flu. We would ask:

• Only two adult immediate family/significant others as identified by the patient allowed to visit.
• Visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed to visit (except for the Family Birthing Center as outlined below).
• Visitors who have flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, chills or muscle aches will not be allowed.
• Masks will be encouraged for patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.
• Guests will be asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer often while in the building.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza is primarily a community-based infection that is transmitted in households and community settings. Children, people over 65 and those with medical conditions are at a much higher risk of complications from the flu.

In order to continue to safeguard our newborns and young patients, the Family Birthing Center and Pediatrics will only allow parents, guardians or caregivers, grandparents, and the labor coach to visit patients and infants. Siblings of the new baby may visit if they are in good health, have no fever or symptoms of illness, and must be accompanied by an adult. All visitors to Family Birthing Center or Pediatrics will need to be symptom free.

Moving to a restricted visitation policy was not done hastily or lightly, but with the influx of influenza cases in Grant County, we must put the health and wellness of those being treated and working at Marion Health first.

While we know this policy may cause inconvenience for our patients and family members, we hope you understand and appreciate our ultimate goal is the protection of our patients and Healthcare Community.

Exceptions can be made by the care team in the event of special circumstances (e.g., patient is near the end of life).

For more information on the Marion Health temporary restriction policy or how you can protect yourself from influenza, please visit the MGH website at www.mgh.net or www.flu.gov.