GRMC Limits Visitors to Prevent Spread of Widespread Viruses

Grinnell Regional Medical Center is asking for help in the effort to protect patients from multiple widespread viruses: If you are sick, please don’t come for a visit.

Effective immediately, GRMC is asking visitors for their help in protecting patients and staff by not coming to the hospital with a sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. This includes those who are visiting inpatient and obstetrical areas.

“These limits on hospital visitors will help us protect our most vulnerable population from exposure to multiple, severe viruses,” says Terri Kelling, RN, GRMC infection prevention coordinator. “This is important for GRMC’s commitment to patient safety. If you feel unwell, please don’t come to the hospital unless you are coming for medical treatment.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the influenza outbreak in 2013 could be the worst in 10 years, and that seems to bearing true locally. Influenza-associated hospitalizations have significantly increased in the State of Iowa in the past week. Outpatient visits have increased as well.

“Influenza-like illness is widespread in Poweshiek County and the State of Iowa right now,” says Patty Hinrichs, coordinator of Grinnell Regional Public Health.

A norovirus also seems to be very widespread at this time.

“Outbreaks of norovirus are very common right now,” says Patricia Quinlisk, MD, MPH, Iowa State Epidemiologist. “Most of the time, if there is diarrhea involved, it is norovirus. When we see outbreaks in schools, it’s usually influenza and norovirus. Norovirus is present year-round, but we seem to see it more frequently in the winter.”

Hand sanitizer is not effective on norovirus, Kelling says. “Only good, old-fashioned soap and water can kill a norovirus.”

Hospital Restrictions

In GRMC’s inpatient rooms and the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, no more than two visitors 18 and older (grandparents, other family member, friends, co-worker, etc.) are allowed at a time. Children under 18 will not be allowed to visit patients anywhere in the medical center unless they are a sibling. Siblings will be screened for symptoms before being allowed to visit.

Visitors should refrain from visiting if they have had any of the following symptoms in the past seven days: nausea, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, diarrhea, or vomiting. All visitors are required to wash their hands with soap or sanitizing gel when going into a patient’s room. In some cases, individuals will be required to wear masks if coming to the medical center for medical care.

The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season. Grinnell Regional Public Health is still offering flu shots. For an appointment, please call 641-236-2385.

The Glass Gift Box, The Neon Café, and outpatient areas remain open for all visitors, although those who are ill should stay home.

“If you are ill, you should stay home,” says Patty Hinrichs, Poweshiek County Public Health Coordinator. “Don’t go to school, work, or public places if you are sick.”

The restrictions will remain in place indefinitely, Kelling says.