Schuyler Hospital Restricts Visitation

In response to the SWINE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) virus, Schuyler Hospital is taking all necessary precautions, as required by the NYS Department of Health, and in concert with a regional consortium of healthcare agencies.Effective today, Schuyler Hospital is restricting children under the age of 18 and anyone feeling ill from visiting patients, including family members – in order to protect the safety of patients, family, visitors and staff.In addition, patients with flu-like symptoms are being redirected from the Hospital’s Main Emergency Entrance to a separate entrance – the ambulance entrance at the opposite side of the department. Note that between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., patients should continue using the Main Emergency Entrance, where they will then be redirected as appropriate for treatment.Masks and alcohol hand cleansers are on hand at all entrances to the Hospital. Hand washing is strongly encouraged as the best precaution against the spread of the flu virus.Additional procedures may be altered to comply with regulations, and to protect our patients, residents, staff and community.For seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines, community members are urged to contact their family physician, attend a public health clinic, or make an appointment at Schuyler Hospital’s Primary Care Center by calling (607) 535-7154.Community members with questions or concerns regarding seasonal or swine flu should contact Chief Nursing Officer, Prudence Ferraro, at (607) 535-7121.Flu information and links are also available at Schuyler Hospital’s website at www.schuylerhospital.org