Cedar Rapids hospitals limit number of patient visitors

In keeping with a commitment to patient safety, Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Hospital will limit patient visitations in order to minimize potential patient exposure to the influenza (flu) virus and other respiratory viruses circulating.

Starting today, the following precautions will take effect until further notice.

Visitors at both hospitals are limited to two adults per patient room at any time unless there is a special circumstance. Adults are classified as individuals 18 years of age or older and must be in good health. Special circumstances apply to end-of-life or critically ill patients. Children are not allowed to visit at this time.

Visitors to Labor & Delivery and Pediatrics floors are limited to parents and grandparents in good health. In addition, healthy siblings under 18 years of age are allowed.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) visitors are limited to parents and grandparents in good health. Children are not allowed to visit at this time.
These steps are necessary to limit any inadvertent patient exposure to influenza. Both hospitals recognize and appreciate the interest people have in supporting family and friends who are hospitalized. However, these precautionary measures are being taken to provide optimal safety for patients during this flu season.

These changes are in addition to the precautions already taken to guard against the spread of influenza. Both hospitals have hand sanitizer dispensers located throughout their facilities. Visitors should wash their hands before and after visiting a patient, and should cough or sneeze into a tissue or shirtsleeve.

Again, these precautions are for the safety of hospitalized patients. These changes will remain in place until further notice.