Suburban hospitals easing visiting rules as H1NI cases decline

Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights has returned to its regular visitation policy after tightening up because of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak.

The number of new flu cases has declined, and other hospitals in suburban Cook County are also considering their policies.

For the first time in two months Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington is at a green influenza level, said Mike Deering, director of communication. That means the number of patients with flu-like symptoms are no longer at higher than expected levels.

For the first time last week, seasonal flu cases seemed to be rising as a percentage of the total, he said.

Here's the status of various Northwest suburban hospitals:

• Northwest Community: Family and friends of any age may now visit from noon to 8 p.m. A patient's primary support person may make arrangements to visit at any time. In late October, the hospital had limited visitors to those ages 18 and older.

• Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village and St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates: Visitors under age 12 are not allowed. While this policy is being reviewed, any changes will probably come after the heavy-visiting periods during the holidays.

• Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington: Visitors are limited to those 12 and older, with tighter restrictions for obstetrics and infant care. Also visitors are no longer allowed to enter the hospital through the Emergency Room. The policy may be reconsidered soon.

• Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge: Visitors under the age of 18 are not allowed on patient floors.

In related news restrictions have been lifted for visitors at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, according to a notice on the sheriff's Web site. On Dec. 4, the county instituted limitations because of H1N1 concerns.

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