Hospitals look at visiting policy in light of flu outbreak

With a third fatality related to the H1N1 flu reported last week, hospital officials in Lake County are taking a closer look at their policies regarding visitors.

Some are creating more stringent requirements, while others are taking a wait-and-see position before implementing changes.

Vista Health System officials are tightening their policy when it comes to children, 18 years and younger. Youngsters will not be allowed on patient floors, including the maternity ward, to visit family members except under extreme circumstances such as terminal illness or life-threatening injuries, officials said.

"We are doing this in the best interest of patient safety and taking a proactive approach to reduce the spread of H1N1 in this high risk population," President and CEO Barbara Martin said in a statement. "We are not only concerned with the health and well-being of our patients, but also that of our visitors and their children. At this time, it is in the best interest of everyone for children and young adults to stay at home."

Vista has locations in Vernon Hills, Grayslake, Gurnee, Lindenhurst, Antioch and Waukegan.

With few exceptions, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington is not allowing any visitors under age 12, officials said.

Highland Park Hospital is restricting visitors under 21. They will not be allowed in the women's hospital in Evanston or the Birthing Center in Highland Park. The only exception is the father of the baby if he is under 21.

Other area hospitals are not making big changes.

"We have different phases we can implement depending on how many flu cases are coming in," said Lake Forest Hospital's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Ankin. "Right now, our staff asks every person coming to visit whether or not they are sick or have a fever. If they are sick, we ask them not to pay a visit.

Ankin said if the situation worsens, the hospital will become more aggressive and may close most access doors and actually take the temperatures of visitors.

Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville is taking similar approach, spokeswoman Chris Vicik said.

They have no new restrictions but are being very cautious and asking all people if they are sick.

"We strongly discourage people who may have flu-like symptoms," Vicik said. "We're sticking with the same vigilance we always have had."

• Daily Herald Staff Writer Ashley Badgley contributed to this report.