Bring your own magazines next time you go to the hospital

Patients and visitors to South West Health are invited to bring their own magazines to their next hospital visit or medical appointment.

South West Health is removing magazines from public waiting areas in order to reduce the possible spread of the H1N1 flu virus and other infectious diseases. Physicians are also encouraged to remove magazines from their waiting areas.

There is an increased risk of spreading germs in areas where a lot of people handle and share common items, such as magazines and toys in waiting rooms. Visitors are encouraged to take home any education pamphlets and brochures that are still available throughout our hospitals.

South West Health continues to plan and prepare for an expected increase in flu activity this Autumn and Winter. Planning activities include ordering supplies and setting up immunization (flu shot) clinics. We are also preparing for a possible increase in people needing health care services because of flu. We are looking at how we safely and appropriately discharge hospital patients quickly if / when there are significant numbers of people with the flu who need hospitalization.

South West Health asks everyone to do their part to reduce the spread of any virus or bacteria. Please remember the three C’s…Clean, Cover and Contain:

CLEAN your hands with soap & water and/or sanitizer often. Clean and disinfect surfaces and items such doorknobs, counters and keyboards.

COVER your coughs and sneezes with your arm or tissue (and throw the tissue away).

CONTAIN your illness and stay home if you are sick. Do not visit friends or family in the hospital if you are sick.