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Media contact: Shantell Kirkendoll E-mail: smkirk@umich.edu Phone: 734-764-2220 |
U-M and St. Joseph Mercy hospitals announce new temporary visitor rules
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – During the current flu season, and until further notice, the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) are now putting in place temporary visitor guidelines designed to slow the spread of all types of flu.
- People who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should not come to any UMHS or SJMHS facility for any reason, except to seek care. This includes not only patients’ loved ones but those with business reasons for visiting these facilities. Flu-like symptoms are a fever over 100 degrees F, together with a cough, sore throat, or runny nose. Exceptions will be allowed only with the approval of the patient’s care team.
- No visitors under the age of 16 will be allowed to visit any hospitalized patient, except in certain circumstances that must be cleared by the patient’s care team. Visitors under the age of 16 are strongly discouraged in outpatient settings as well. This age group is most susceptible to the H1N1 flu virus, and high rates of illness are being seen in children and teens.
- No patient who has been admitted to any hospital or emergency department belonging to either health system may have more than two visitors to their room at a time. Visitors should be limited to those who are essential to the emotional and physical support of the patient. Exceptions can be made by the patient’s care team and should be approved in advance before visitors arrive at the hospital.
- Examples of situations that would warrant an exception: if a person with flu-like symptoms or under the age of 16 is absolutely essential to support a patient, if a person under 16 is the parent of a patient, or if a patient is close to death. Visitors allowed under these exceptions will be asked to wear masks as appropriate.
About University of Michigan Health System
The University of Michigan Health System includes three hospitals - University Hospital and C.S. Mott Childrens and Womens Hospital - and a network of 30 health centers and 120 outpatient clinics, the U-M Medical School and its Faculty Group Practice, the U-M School of Nursing and the Michigan Health Corp. For 15 consecutive years the University of Michigan has been named to the honor roll of "America's Best Hospitals” as compiled by U.S. News & World Report. For more information about UMHS, please visit www.med.umich.edu.
About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) is a newly expanded health care organization serving southeast Michigan. Health coverage spans six counties, including Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor, 443-bed St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, 304-bed St. Mary Mercy in Livonia, 136-bed St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, 119-bed St. Joseph Mercy Port Huron, 113-bed Chelsea Community Hospital and 74-bed St. Joseph Mercy Saline. Combined, the seven hospitals are licensed for 1,726 beds, have five outpatient health centers, five urgent care facilities, more than 25 specialty centers; employ more than 14,000 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 2,700 physicians.
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