April 29, 2009
Flu Screening Precautions in Place at LDMH
Leamington, ON – Wednesday, April 29, 2009 – Precautions are in place at Leamington District Memorial Hospital to ensure all visitors, patients, clients are properly screened for the swine influenza virus as they enter the hospital.
The precautions include:
Anyone needing to enter the building – whether to visit a patient, have a procedure completed, attend an appointment with a physician or clinic – must enter the “Main Entrance” located off Fader Street. The Talbot Street - Front Lobby Entrance is CLOSED.
Anyone needing to go to the Emergency Department is asked to use the Emergency Department entrance – also located off Fader Street.
All visitors or patients to the building will be asked to clean their hands immediately upon entering the building with hand gel. All visitors will also be asked two screening questions:
1. Do you have a new or worsening cough or shortness of breath?
2. Are you feeling feverish?
If the answer is YES to both questions – visitors and patients will be asked to wear a mask and will be referred to their
health care provider or to the Emergency Department for follow-up
When assessed by their health care provider, patients will also be asked about recent travel or contact with individuals who have traveled to and from Mexico.
“As always, we ask anyone who is not feeling well to NOT visit the hospital, and to re-schedule their appointment or procedure,” says Sarah Padfield, Vice President, Corporate Services. “If a patient is suspected of having the influenza virus they will be screened and tested appropriately.”
Finally the hospital is emphasizing the number one thing everyone can do to help stop the spread is to be extra diligent in cleaning their hands. “Hand gel is available at all entrances and exits and we are asking everyone, the public, staff and physicians to do their part by just cleaning your hands,” notes Padfield.
For more information and regular updates the public is asked to refer to the hospital’s web-site at www.leamingtonhospital.com.
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For more information:
Sarah Padfield, Vice President, Corporate Services
519-326-2373 ext. 4249