NEW JERSEY (WPIX) -
In an effort to prevent the spread of swine flu, hospitals in New Jersey are being urged to suspend visiting privileges for persons younger than 18 years old.
The N.J. Hospital Association is recommending all hospitals suspend visits by children until the mounting cases of swine flu comes to an end.
"These are common-sense precautions in the midst of a growing H1N1 flu outbreak," said Betsy Ryan, president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association. "We apologize for the inconvenience these restrictions may pose, but we trust our visitors will understand that they are in everyone's best interest."
The state Department of Health and Senior Services endorses the trade group's recommendation.
Officials for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said hospitals may even want to protect their patients welfare even further.
"Healthcare facilities may wish to limit visitors to persons who are necessary for the patient's emotional well-being and care,'' Leusner said. "The CDC guidance suggests that visitors should be screened for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before entering the hospital.''
In addition, the CDC also suggested hospital employees instruct visitors on proper hand hygiene, as well as "limiting surfaces touched,'' she said.
Several hospitals in the Garden State have already enacted similar restrictions.
The N.J. Hospital Association is recommending all hospitals suspend visits by children until the mounting cases of swine flu comes to an end.
"These are common-sense precautions in the midst of a growing H1N1 flu outbreak," said Betsy Ryan, president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association. "We apologize for the inconvenience these restrictions may pose, but we trust our visitors will understand that they are in everyone's best interest."
The state Department of Health and Senior Services endorses the trade group's recommendation.
Officials for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said hospitals may even want to protect their patients welfare even further.
"Healthcare facilities may wish to limit visitors to persons who are necessary for the patient's emotional well-being and care,'' Leusner said. "The CDC guidance suggests that visitors should be screened for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before entering the hospital.''
In addition, the CDC also suggested hospital employees instruct visitors on proper hand hygiene, as well as "limiting surfaces touched,'' she said.
Several hospitals in the Garden State have already enacted similar restrictions.
