Joining a growing list of hospitals taking steps to reduce exposure to flu virus, Baystate Health has adopted changes to its Visitors Policy to provide the safest environment possible for patients, visitors and staff during the flu season.

Effective Wednesday, Nov. 4:  

No visitors under 13 years old will be permitted in Baystate hospitals.

No more than two visitors at a time are recommended per patient.

Visitors should be limited to those essential to the patient’s comfort and wellbeing.

Additionally, to help reduce exposure to H1N1 in the waiting rooms of our doctors’ offices and other outpatient settings:

• Patients should come to appointments alone or be accompanied by no more than one other person, if needed.

• Patients are discouraged from bringing children with them to their appointments.

The health system’s three hospitals affected by the change in visitation rules include Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, and Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware.

“We take the H1N1 health risks seriously and feel strongly about protecting our patients and staff. As a result, we are changing our Visitors Policy to reduce patient and employee exposure to flu in all Baystate Health hospitals and outpatient settings,” said Deborah Morsi, RN, PhD, Chief Nursing Officer, Baystate Health.

“These restrictions are in place because having fewer visitors and guests in our hospitals and waiting rooms will reduce flu exposure for everyone,” she added. Morsi noted children are the focus of restrictions around the country because they are more likely to be affected by H1N1 themselves, and to transmit the flu to others.

“We understand the impact these restrictions may have on families and their loved ones in the hospital; however, we feel strongly about providing our patients with the safest possible care environment,” said Morsi.

Since the April outbreak of the H1N1 virus, Baystate Health has posted signs in its healthcare facilities asking visitors who are sick to consider returning home and calling the patient instead.

Beyond the new guidelines, Baystate Health offers the following additional tips to make the public’s visits to the hospital as safe as possible for them and their loved ones:

• Always wash your hands upon entering and leaving the patient’s room.

• Assess your own health before visiting the hospital; do not visit if you are at higher risk to contract infections.

• If the patient you are visiting has a contagious disease, consider calling instead.

• If you decide to visit a patient with a contagious illness, wear the protective items offered by the medical staff.

Visit Baystate's online Flu and H1N1 Virus website for more information and tips on staying healthy this flu season.