Flu Precautions Initiated at PMC for Visitors to Birth Center Unit

Prowers Medical Center Implements Visitor Restrictions to the
New Beginnings Birth Center Unit 

(Lamar, CO) December 20, 2012 –

Like many hospitals across the nation, Prowers Medical Center is closely monitoring the progression of influenza in our community and is preparing for the possibility that we will be providing care for more people infected with the flu.  Our Team Members are following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, as well as our own infection control procedures to help protect our patients, staff and hospital visitors. 

As an extra precaution, Prowers Medical Center has implemented some Visitor Restrictions to our New Beginnings Birth Center (NBBC) Unit.  Only immediate family members, i.e. Father, Grandparents and Siblings of the newborn, will be allowed to visit patients in the NBBC unit during the flu season. 

Prowers Medical Center has provided many hand and respiratory hygiene stations throughout the facility.  Visitors are encouraged to utilize the alcohol-based hand sanitizer and masks being made available at these stations prior to entering and upon leaving a patient’s room. 

As a form of community education on ways to prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses, please utilize the following prevention measures:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread this way.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the flu.
• If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
• Get your seasonal flu shot as soon as possible. 

During this time of heightened concern in our community, Prowers Medical Center encourages everyone to follow these steps to protect your health and prevent further spread of influenza.