Hospitals in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne limit visitors to slow spread of flu

Although family and friends are seen as an important part of the healing process for patients in the hospital, because there is an increase in people with flu-like symptoms, South West Health is asking the public to limit the number of visitors to just two per patient.

It is especially important to limit visitors to the maternal child unit at the Yarmouth Hospital, where babies and new mothers are a high risk group for catching H1N1 flu.

If you are sick you are asked not to visit patients at the hospital. Also, if you are sick you are asked to try to re-schedule any non-urgent appointments until you are feeling better. If you must go to the flu assessment clinic, set up this week at the Yarmouth hospital, or the emergency department because you are sick, you are asked not to visit other areas of the hospital.

Staff or security may ask people to leave if they are sick, if they are wearing a mask, or if there are more than two visitors per patient.

Meanwhile, community H1N1 flu shot clinics for priority high risk groups continue at: •Saulnierville Legion, Thursday, Nov. 5 from 12 pm to 7pm •Digby Curling Centre, Monday, Nov. 9 from 12 pm to 7 pm •Digby Curling Club, Tuesday, Nov 10 from 12 pm to 7pm. •Lockeport Fire Hall, Thursday, Nov 12 from 1 pm to 7pm

Bring your health care to the flu clinic. More clinics will be announced shortly. Clinic schedules may change based on vaccine supply. Changes are posted on the health districts website at:

http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/

ALSO TAKE NOTE THAT: •The Well Woman Clinic on Nov. 7, in Barrington will not offer flu shots. •Flu Assessment Clinic at Yarmouth Hospital: People with mild to moderate flu symptoms who wish to see a health care provider can visit the Flu Assessment Clinic instead of the Emergency Department. No appointment needed, but bring your Health Card. The Flu Assessment Clinic is in the Ambulatory Care area, main hallway (across from elevators), and open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mon – Fri. After hours, please go to the Emergency Department.