Flu concerns prompt visiting changes at hospital

Visitors to Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Children’s Hospital in Morgantown will have to adhere to new, stricter policies as part of the hospital’s effort to prevent the spread of the flu, hospital officials announced Thursday.

WVU Healthcare says the policy changes will take effect on Sunday, Jan. 20.

Visiting hours are set between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and patients will be limited to having only two visitors at a time.  Hospital officials are asking children younger than 12 to not visit the hospital.

Additionally, anyone who has experienced flu-like symptoms recently should not visit the hospital; anyone exhibiting symptoms at the hospital will be asked to wear a mask.

A press release also says all visitors will be required to register and obtain a visitor’s badge before entering patient areas.

“While we have not experienced a high volume of flu cases, we’re doing this for the health and safety of our patients, our staff and the community at large,” Bruce McClymonds, president and CEO of WVU Hospitals, said. “The more we limit exposure to the flu, the less it will spread.”

Officials said rules may be waived in special circumstances.