RHI HEALTH COMMUNICATION
January 20, 2014
CONTACT:
Sharyl J. Border, PhD, MBA
Public Relations and Marketing
317-373-8564
VISITOR RESTRICTION NOTIFICATION
EFFECTIVE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2014
Indianapolis is experiencing a heightened flu season. Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) is taking the precautionary measure of limiting patient visitors to protect patients, families and staff from unnecessary potential exposure to the flu virus.
The Visitor Restriction will go into effect Wednesday, January 22, 2014. A further communication will be issued when RHI releases the Visitor Restriction. RHI is asking families to limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to patient rooms, therapy and other public areas.
“Patient safety is RHI’s top priority,” said Dr. Doug Webb, medical director of infection control for Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. “Indiana is already experiencing an increased number of influenza cases as evidenced by the number of young adults that have required hospitalization, respiratory support and ICU care, and sadly the number of deaths in otherwise healthy adults.
RHI recognizes the role that family plays in rehabilitation and healing, but we must protect our hospitalized patients and staff members from this virulent strain of virus, so this is a proactive step to take.”
Temporary Visitor Restrictions Definition:
· Patient’s visitors are limited to spouses/domestic partners, parents/legal guardians, grandparents and spiritual counselors
· Siblings and visitors under 18 years of age will not be allowed to visit patients during this restricted time
· Visitors who have flu-like symptoms will not be allowed in any RHI facility
· Guests will be asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer often while in any RHI facility
For any questions or concerns, contact Dinah Jones, RN, RHI Infection Preventionist, at 317-329-2201
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About Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) is twenty-two year community collaboration between Indiana University Health and St. Vincent Health. RHI has five locations to serve patients, offering a full range of acute inpatient, outpatient and vocational rehabilitation services for adults with life-changing illness and injuries due to brain injury, spinal cord, stroke, amputation, orthopedic conditions, neuromuscular disease, burns and related disabilities. For more information on RHI contact 317-329-2000, visit the RHI website at www.rhin.com, or follow RHI on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.