>To protect the health of patients, staff, and the community during this flu season, The Valley Hospital has enacted temporary restrictions on visitors to the hospital.
Effective Wednesday, November 18, no one under the age of 18 who is not a patient will be allowed to visit any Valley Hospital location where patient care is provided. This includes the Luckow Pavilion and Kraft Center in Paramus, as well as the hospital’s main campus in Ridgewood. These restrictions will remain in place through the duration of the flu season.
In addition, anyone who is ill with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should refrain from visiting.
“As we continue to see an increase in patients with the flu being seen in the Emergency Department, we thought it prudent to reduce the spread of infection to our patients, staff and the public by restricting visitor access to both inpatient and outpatient areas of the hospital,” said Mitchell Rubinstein, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs. “We understand that these temporary changes to our visitation policy may be difficult for some families, and ask your understanding that it is truly in the best interest of everyone’s health to limit exposure.”
To reduce the spread of flu, Valley reminds the public to follow the same measures that are effective in reducing the risk of spreading any infectious disease:
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Dispose of used tissues properly.
• Stay home if you are sick.
To help answer your questions about H1N1 flu, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) has established a toll-free, 24-hour H1N1 influenza line. The number is 1-866-321-9571.
For inquiries about the vaccine for the H1N1 virus, please call the Bergen County Health Department’s Health Topics Information Line at 201-225-7000. A listing of flu clinics can also be found on the Department of Health’s web site at www.bergenhealth.org.
