Like hospitals throughout the Midwest, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan at the Detroit Medical Center has experienced an influx of patients with viral respiratory illnesses. Younger children are particularly susceptible to catching and spreading these illnesses, according to Prashant V. Mahajan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., division chief and research director in Emergency Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
To protect patients and families, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan – effective immediately – is implementing new patient visitation guidelines. Only parents and legal guardians and guests age 18 years and older will be able to visit inpatient units. These temporary guidelines will remain in effect while we experience this high volume of respiratory illnesses.
Should families arrive at the hospital during normal business or visiting hours with children under the age of 18, they will not be permitted to visit inpatient units.
While none of the hospital’s cases of respiratory illness have been confirmed as the Enterovirus EV-D68 that’s been widely reported in the media, families, visitors and patients should be aware of precautions to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory-related illnesses.
In addition to visitation restrictions, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan has placed information on its website to educate the public on preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses like Enterovirus EV-D68.
Educational posters and hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the hospital as part of the overall strategy to protect patients and their families.
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About the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, www.childrensdmc.org
For more than 125 years, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan is the first hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children. With more than 40 pediatric medical and surgical specialties and services, the hospital is a leader internationally in neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostic services; it is ranked one of America’s best hospitals for children by USNews & World Report and Parent Magazine and is recognized for quality and safety by the Leapfrog Group. The Children’s Hospital of Michigan is one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC).