INDIANAPOLIS – In an effort to protect its patients and associates and limit the spread of influenza-like illnesses, St.Vincent is temporarily restricting visitors under the age of 15. The temporary age-based visitor restriction is effective immediately at St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent, St.Vincent Women's Hospital and the St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana.
"Our goal is to ensure the health and safety of our patients, associates and visitors at our facilities," said Robert Lubitz, MD, vice president of Academic Affairs & Research, and coordinator of Emergency Preparedness at St.Vincent. "By temporarily restricting visitors under the age of 15, we can help to limit the risk of the H1N1 virus spread, and continue to provide the appropriate level of care to our patients."
"We ask for the community's cooperation with this temporary age-based visitor restriction, as we address the unique needs of our patients," said Dr. Lubitz.
St.Vincent officials are closely monitoring the spread of the H1N1 virus and its admissions and emergency room visits related to any influenza-like illnesses. Depending on patient volume and discussions with the Marion County Health Department and other area hospitals, St.Vincent will revise this temporary visitor restriction program as needed.
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St.Vincent Hospitals and Health Services
Driven by the faith of four Daughters of Charity who arrived in Indianapolis in 1881 with $34.77 in their pockets, the St.Vincent Hospital mission is to treat the poor and sick by following our Core Values of Service of the Poor, Reverence, Integrity, Wisdom, Creativity and Dedication. Our healthcare ministry has grown to include seven Centers of Excellence: Women's, Children's, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, Cancer Care and Bariatrics. The ageless mission of St.Vincent remains unchanged: to minister to the minds, bodies and spirits of those in need.
