Changes to Visitation Policy

Keeping you and your family healthy is the top priority at St. Mary's Hospital. This flu season, the hospital has made the following temporary changes to its visitation policy to minimize the impact of the flu on hospital patients, associates and physicians. The policy is effective Nov. 9, 2009 through March 30, 2010.

• Visitors are limited to two people per patient at one time
• Anyone with a fever is prohibited from visiting
• No one under age 18 may visit patients, unless:
• The visitor is the parent of a hospitalized newborn or child
• By exception for end-of-life circumstance

If you have questions about this visitation policy, please contact a patient care supervisor at 240-434-7137.

In addition to changes to the visitation policy, St. Mary's Hospital has also taken proactive steps to be prepared if the flu becomes even more widespread.

The hospital has conducted pandemic flu drills and has created a comprehensive plan utilizing a multidisciplinary approach in the event of a surge of patients with flu-like symptoms. That plan also includes ensuring adequate hospital space, supplies and staff to care for patients. H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines have been given to some frontline healthcare workers and about 70 percent of hospital associates have received the seasonal flu vaccine so far this year to stay healthy while treating the needs of you and your family.

St. Mary's Hospital is forming a volunteer corps of nurses, allied health professionals and other support services to help out in the event of a pandemic flu emergency. Your community needs your help! Both licensed and unlicensed professionals are needed. If you are willing to volunteer your time, please call and leave a message with your contact information on our hotline at 240 434-7769.