Atlantic General Hospital And Health System Announces Suggested Guidelines For Visitors
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Guidelines released in light of Flu Epidemic
In an effort to protect the community against the spread of seasonal flu, Atlantic General Hospital and Health System announced today a set of suggested guidelines for visitors to the hospital.
The guidelines are as follows:
• Patients should limit their visitors to no more than two to protect them and others.
• Individuals with upper respiratory illness (cough, fever, etc.) are asked not to visit patients.
• Children under the age of 18 and the elderly are encouraged to NOT visit patients at this time. Special accommodations will be made for end of life circumstances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that young people and the elderly are more at risk as carriers and transmitters of the seasonal flu.
• Individuals with Atlantic General Health System outpatient or physician appointments are encouraged to come to those appointments without their children under age 18, unless the appointment or health care service is for the child.
• To reduce the risk of exposure, it is recommended that pregnant women not visit unless seeking medical treatment.
“We do not want to inconvenience our patients and their loved ones, but we have established these recommended guidelines to protect our community as much as possible from the flu virus,” said Michaelann Frate, director of infection control at Atlantic General Hospital. “The best ways to prevent the spread of the illness are to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid crowded public places as much as possible when experiencing symptoms.”
“For those with flu-like symptoms, the Atlantic ImmediCare locations are optimal places to receive care. Patients can get in to see a provider, pick up any over-the-counter or prescription medication they may need and go home,” said Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital.
Hospital officials are advising if you have not already received the influenza vaccine, try to get it.
Vaccines are still available in all of Atlantic General Health System offices.
Worcester County residents that are not patients of AGHS should contact their primary care provider to schedule an appointment. If their primary care provider does not have the vaccine, the hospital advises that you check with retails outlets, such as pharmacies, and our local health department at 410-632-1100.
The Worcester County Health Department does have the vaccine. They have ordered more and expect to receive the shipment of additional vaccine next week.
About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md. combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org .
In an effort to protect the community against the spread of seasonal flu, Atlantic General Hospital and Health System announced today a set of suggested guidelines for visitors to the hospital.
The guidelines are as follows:
• Patients should limit their visitors to no more than two to protect them and others.
• Individuals with upper respiratory illness (cough, fever, etc.) are asked not to visit patients.
• Children under the age of 18 and the elderly are encouraged to NOT visit patients at this time. Special accommodations will be made for end of life circumstances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that young people and the elderly are more at risk as carriers and transmitters of the seasonal flu.
• Individuals with Atlantic General Health System outpatient or physician appointments are encouraged to come to those appointments without their children under age 18, unless the appointment or health care service is for the child.
• To reduce the risk of exposure, it is recommended that pregnant women not visit unless seeking medical treatment.
“We do not want to inconvenience our patients and their loved ones, but we have established these recommended guidelines to protect our community as much as possible from the flu virus,” said Michaelann Frate, director of infection control at Atlantic General Hospital. “The best ways to prevent the spread of the illness are to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid crowded public places as much as possible when experiencing symptoms.”
“For those with flu-like symptoms, the Atlantic ImmediCare locations are optimal places to receive care. Patients can get in to see a provider, pick up any over-the-counter or prescription medication they may need and go home,” said Michael Franklin, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital.
Hospital officials are advising if you have not already received the influenza vaccine, try to get it.
Vaccines are still available in all of Atlantic General Health System offices.
Worcester County residents that are not patients of AGHS should contact their primary care provider to schedule an appointment. If their primary care provider does not have the vaccine, the hospital advises that you check with retails outlets, such as pharmacies, and our local health department at 410-632-1100.
The Worcester County Health Department does have the vaccine. They have ordered more and expect to receive the shipment of additional vaccine next week.
About Atlantic General Hospital
Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) Counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md. combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 25 primary care provider and specialist offices, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org .
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