In an effort to protect our patients and staff during this flu season, Salinas Valley Memorial is implementing changes to our visiting policy. Effective December 1, 2009, visitors must be at least 14 years of age. We also request that visits be limited to 15 minutes, and that no more than two visitors are in the patient room at one time.
We understand that these restrictions may be difficult for some patients, their families, and friends who are already coping with illness. It has been our policy in the past to fully welcome visitors believing that their presence provided comfort and healing. Our top priority, however, is the health of our patients, our healthcare workers, and our community. As H1N1 is more likely to occur among children, and because they can be infectious even when symptoms are non-apparent, responsible hospitals across the country have responded with proactive measures to manage the risk of exposure.
Salinas Valley Memorial takes the health risks of contracting H1N1 flu very seriously. In response, we ask our patients and community for your understanding, cooperation, and support in implementing these new visitor policies. In those rare cases where the patient's condition or circumstances deem visiting necessary, special arrangements can be made on a case by case basis by the nursing director or administrative nursing supervisor.
Download our current: Visiting Guidelines.