Effective Monday, October 19th, No Visitors Under 16 Years Old Permitted

Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital takes the health risks associated with the H1N1 flu very seriously and we recognize the need to manage these risks in a serious and dedicated manner. Because H1N1 is more likely to occur among children, and because they can be infectious for longer periods of time, even after symptoms are gone, we are changing our hospital visitation policy. Effective October 19, 2009, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford Hospital will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 16 years to visit in the hospitals. This policy will be in effect during the height of the flu season, usually lasting until spring, and will be re-evaluated at that time.

We understand the impact the restriction has on families that are already dealing with the complexities of their loved one’s health, but we feel very strongly about the importance of limiting the risks of exposure to our patients and staff. The implications for infants, children and pregnant women who contract the flu can be very serious, and while we empathize greatly for our patients’ family and friends, our number one priority and concern remains the well-being and health of our patients and employees.

It is important to note that we are not alone in this executing this strategy, as other hospitals throughout the country are restricting young visitors to help reduce the exposure of this flu to patients. We hope to have an uneventful flu season and are optimistic that this strategy will aid in limiting the presence and spread of H1N1 throughout the hospital.

Meanwhile, we are advising all staff, visitors and parents (regardless of age) to not enter the hospital if symptoms of an influenza-like illness are present (i.e. fever of 100 F or above and cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion.)

If you have any questions, please contact Patient Relations at (650) 498-HUGS (4847). We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep our patients and our employees safe.

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Yvonne Maldonado, MD, discusses this new policy: