Flu prompts changes at Mercy Health

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Due to the increase in the number of influenza cases in the area, Mercy Health Youngstown, formerly Humility of Mary Health Partners, is implementing four basic public-health guidelines at all facilities to protect patients, residents, their families and caregivers:

If you do not feel well, do not come to the hospital or skilled nursing facility to visit someone.

No visitors under age 14 will be permitted until the flu season ends. Children are exposed to many more germs in schools and day care and can easily infect others, or catch the flu by visiting someone in the hospital, skilled nursing home or assisted living facility with the flu.

Mercy Health is suspending its practice of allowing one family member to stay overnight in the room with a hospital patient until flu season subsides. Exceptions may be granted in cases of gravely ill or minor patients.

Waiting rooms or public areas cannot be used for overnight accommodations.

These extra precautions are effective immediately at all Mercy Health Youngstown locations: St. Elizabeth Youngstown, St. Elizabeth Boardman and St. Joseph Warren hospitals, as well as The Assumption Village, Marian Living Center and Humility House.

They will remain in effect until the influenza subsides.

“We are taking proactive steps to protect our patients and residents,” said Don Koenig, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Mercy Health Youngstown. “We want to limit exposure to the flu for those persons in our care who are at increased health risk, and to slow the spread of influenza.”