The spread of influenza in our community has prompted Wenatchee Valley Hospital and Central Washington Hospital to take special measures to protect patients, staff and visitors. Some people are contagious before they show any signs or symptoms of the flu (cough, fever, sore throat, headache, etc). Because of this fact, we are implementing the following policy restrictions that will apply to all people visiting patients in our hospital inpatient units throughout the flu season.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to protect the safety of our patients, staff and visitors.
 
At Wenatchee Valley Hospital:

• Visitors with any symptoms of influenza-like illness (cough, fever, sore throat, etc) are NOT allowed to visit.

• No visitors under the age of 18 unless they have had at least one dose of H1N1 immunization.

• Only two people may visit a patient at a time.

• Visitors may be asked to wear masks and other protective covering when visiting patients who may be contagious. Visitors who do not wear this protective clothing in accordance with instructions will be asked to leave.

• All visitors will wash their hands or use hand sanitizers before touching the patient.

In addition to these rules, we have additional limitations to protect patients who are most at risk from influenza:

Oncology Patients:

• Visitors will be limited to immediate family members only.

Note: There may be exceptions to this policy in certain very limited circumstances, such as situations where a patient is at the end of life. In cases where exceptions are made, it will be made at the discretion of the physician and the WVH leadership.