Swine Flu - Visitors Update (Huntington Hosp)

Swine Influenza Update
Care of Mothers and Newborns ”
June 18, 2009

Michael B. Grosso, MD, FAAP
Sr. Vice President for Medical Affairs

On May 28th, Huntington Hospital joined all campuses of the North Shore – LIJ Health System in implementing changes to its Infection Control protocols for the Nursery and Post-partum units. These steps, which were taken in consultation with our Perinatology and Infectious Diseases experts, have been aimed at protecting mothers and infants from influenza infection, and in particular, infection with H1N1 swine origin influenza virus. Among the changes was the suspension of visitation by children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

In the interim, we have been monitoring this situation closely. No episodes of healthcare-associated influenza have occurred in either mothers or infants. Experts at our hospital and across the Health System have remained in close contact to ensure that further modifications of the protocol would occur in a timely manner.

Effective immediately, visitation of healthy children and adolescents is permitted. We are continuing to screen all individuals entering these areas of the hospital with brief interviews to identify and exclude persons of any age who may be experiencing influenza-like illness. We encourage our visitors to be understanding of any inconvenience imposed by this policy. Once again, our aim is to protect the safety of all our patients, while also continuing to encourage and support family-centered care and the best possible birth experience for our mothers and newborns.


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Re: Swine Flu - Visitors Update (Huntington Hosp)

Thank you for posting this. While I'm still 2 months away from delivering, it's good to know that they are now allowing children in for visiting hours. Of course that could change by August!

Re: Swine Flu - Visitors Update (Huntington Hosp)

Thank you for your post .. I know i heard there were restrictions at hospitals and i posted something i think Monday about hospital Visitations ..
This Def Clears up any issues I would have been upset if the grandparents couldn't see their first Grandchild in the hospital

Re: Swine Flu - Visitors Update (Huntington Hosp)

Thanks for posting this. I am delivering at North Shore LIJ Plainview, but they had the same restrictions. I called them and the kids are allowed back on the floor as long as they are healthy. Hopefully it will stay like this for the next 5-6 weeks, because my 7 year old DD would be devastated if she couldn't come up and see me and her new baby !!

Re: Swine Flu - Visitors Update (Huntington Hosp)

here in ns manhasset absolutely NO children under 18 are allowed in maternity. when this baby arrives, DD will not be able to come in my room to see her.
since i've been here a month, they allow DD to visit once a week, but we have to go to a special family room in pediatrics. they required her immunization records, take her temp. when she arrives & make me fill out a health intake form each time she comes. it's insane. there is/was apparently a baby in the nicu w/ swine flu, as well as a pregnant woman or 2.

Re: Swine Flu - Visitors Update (Huntington Hosp)