Day Kimball Healthcare Sets New Visitation Policy to Protect Mothers and Babies

PUTNAM, CT –Due to the presence of the influenza virus in our community, Day Kimball Healthcare announces that a new visitation policy for the Burdick Family Birthing Center at Day Kimball Hospital is in place to protect the health of mothers and babies from the H1N1 flu virus.

Effective immediately, visitors into the Birthing Center are limited to two healthy visitors, including visitors during the mother’s labor process. In addition, no children under the age of 18, including siblings of the newborn, will be allowed to enter the Birthing Center. In order for families to enjoy the special occasion of the birth of a child, siblings may view the newborn through the nursery room window.

“We must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable patients,” said Mary Ellen Snyder, clinical Operations coordinator for the hospitals maternal child health unit. She added “The H1N1 flu virus is particularly dangerous to mothers and babies and we want to keep them healthy.”

Visiting hours for the Birthing Center are 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. Fathers and grandparents of the newborn may visit any time. Please note that all visitors will be screened before entering the Birthing Center for influenza symptoms.

For all areas of the hospital, please use common sense and do not visit any patient if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, runny nose or body aches or have been exposed to the flu within the last two days.

This new visitation policy will be in effect until further notice.