Frequently Asked Questions New Policy Relating to Visitors Under 16 Years of Age
Why is Stanford Hospital & Clinics closing off the hospital to all visitors under the age of 16?
Due to the severity of the H1N1 flu and its potential to spread to children, expectant mothers, and other patients, effective Monday, October 19, 2009, Stanford Hospital & Clinics and Packard Children’s will no longer allow visitors or family members under the age of 16 years to visit in the hospitals. This decision is to keep our patient care and common areas as healthy and free from flu exposure as possible. The implications for infants, children and pregnant women who contract the flu can be very serious, and while we empathize greatly for our patients’ family and friends, our No. 1 priority and concern remains the well-being and health of our patients and employees.
Please note this policy does not include patients who are younger than 16 years. It only pertains to visitors.
How did the hospital come to the conclusion of implementing this new policy?
Prior to making this decision, there was an ongoing sharing of information with teams across the hospital to determine the best and safest policy for protecting the health and safety of our patients.
How will this affect families currently dealing with end-of-life or other difficult health situations?
If visitation is deemed necessary given the patient’s condition or other extenuating circumstances, the hospital will work with families on a case-by-case basis.
How long will this new policy be in place?
We hope to have an uneventful flu season and are optimistic that this strategy will aid in limiting the presence and spread of H1N1 throughout the hospital. While flu season typically ends in April, the policy will be in effect until further notice as there is no way to predict an exact end date for flu season. Our No. 1 priority and concern remains the well-being and health of our patients and employees.
Is Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital implementing the new policy as well?
Yes. Packard Children’s will also be implementing the policy the same day as SHC—Monday, October 19, 2009.
Is this new policy being implemented at SHC’s Emergency Department?
No. The Emergency Department will not be implementing this new policy. However, everyone entering the Emergency Department will be required to wear a mask.
How will the hospitals implement this policy?
We are asking all visitors to please follow this policy for the sake of their health, that of their families and our patients. Assistance will be available at the Information Desk or by calling Guest Services at ext. 8-3333 or (outside) 650-498-3333. Signage and other patient communications about the new policy will also be available at both hospitals.
To assist in screening and in monitoring access, Security officers will be posted at the main points of entry to SHC.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital currently controls all entry points into their hospital, including corridors that directly link SHC to Packard Children’s.
What if someone does not have proof of age on them?
We encourage visitors to always keep identification on them while visiting the hospital, but because not everyone will have proof of age on them at all times, this will have to be implemented through an honor system.
What if a parent arrives at the hospital with visitors or family members who are 16 years or younger?
We certainly understand that this policy change impacts some families who are already facing extremely difficult circumstances. Families who need assistance should contact Guest Services at ext. 8-333 or (outside) 650-498-3333.
Is it normal for a hospital to restrict visitors based on age?
Yes. Many other medical institutions throughout the country are following this practice and are restricting visits by children during this flu season.
What is SHC doing to control the spread of the flu among its employees and to its patients?
SHC has been and continues to work with staff to have them vaccinated. We are also instructing staff to stay home if they are ill. Protocols have been provided to staff. We are asking that all staff, visitors and parents (regardless of age) to not enter the hospital if they have symptoms of influenza-like illness including a fever of 100˚ F or above and cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion.
What about hospital volunteers?
The age restriction also extends to any hospital volunteers who are younger than 16.
How long will this new policy be in effect?
This new policy is in effect until further notice. At this time, we anticipate that both SHC and Packard Children’s will re-evaluate the age restriction policy following the flu season (spring 2010) or a change in circumstances.
Does this policy apply to SHC’s clinics?
Yes. This policy applies to all outpatient clinics including those not directly on the hospital campus, for example, the Menlo Clinic, Positive Experience at the VA Clinic, Outpatient Center in Redwood City, and all others. We also strongly urge those who have clinic appointments to not bring children under the age of 16 in order to keep our patients and our employees safe. Clinic signage will also be put in place alerting parents that children under the age of 16 will not be allowed in the hospital.
About Stanford Hospital & Clinics
Stanford Hospital & Clinics is known worldwide for advanced treatment of complex disorders in areas such as cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, neurosciences, surgery, and organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the U.S. News & World Report annual list of "America's Best Hospitals," Stanford Hospital & Clinics is internationally recognized for translating medical breakthroughs into the care of patients. It is part of the Stanford University Medical Center, along with the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. For more information, visit http://stanfordmedicine.org.