Statement from Baptist Health Regarding H1N1 Precaution and Visitor Policy

Jacksonville, Florida, November 2, 2009 -- In light of the ongoing prevalence of H1N1 in Northeast Florida, Baptist Health is further limiting its visitation policy at all five hospitals, including Wolfson Children's Hospital.

Because H1N1 is more likely to occur among children, and because children can be infectious for longer periods of time, Wolfson Children's Hospital is changing its hospital visitation policy.

Effective immediately, Wolfson Children's Hospital will no longer allow non-patient visitors or family members under the age of 18 years to visit patients in the hospital. This policy will remain in effect until further notice.

Parents/legal guardians, grandparents or a designated parent substitute, such as a close family friend or adult sibling, may visit patients. If the parents are under 18, they will be allowed to visit their child.

At Baptist Health's adult hospitals, visitation of hospital patients is limited to immediate family members, who may include spouses/significant others, adult siblings, parents, grandparents, and children over age 5. In addition, Baptist Health encourages family members to take turns visiting their loved ones. Large groups of family members are discouraged at this time. A general guideline is no more than two visitors at a time in each private patient room.

The previously stated policy restricting visitors who are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (including coughing, sneezing, fever, or stomach upset) is still in place.

If you are visiting a patient in a Baptist Health facility, you will be asked to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the flu and will see healthcare staff also wearing masks and other protective gear for everyone's protection.