Due to a decrease in cases of H1N1 influenza in our region, visitor restrictions have been lifted at all Samaritan Health Services hospitals and birth centers, including Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital.
The restrictions were introduced in October to protect patients, staff and visitors from unnecessary exposure to flu viruses circulating in the community. Though cases of H1N1 are declining in Oregon, we are entering the time of year in which regular seasonal flu spreads.
“We thank everyone for their cooperation and their vigilance over the last few months,” said Samaritan Health Services CEO Larry Mullins, DHA. “I am impressed with the manner in which we all paid attention to basic infection prevention measures in response to the pandemic H1N1 threat. If we move forward with a continued focus on the basics, people can help stem the spread of germs and viruses such as the seasonal flu.”
The basics remain the same €“ wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, stay home when you are sick. For the convenience and protection of patients, visitors and staff, hand sanitizer is available and its use is encouraged at hospital entryways and throughout the facilities.
For more information on remaining healthy during flu season, visit the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Web site, http://www.flu.oregon.gov.