As our community deals with the seasonal and H1N1 flu virsues, we have developed this web page as an easy reference for our community and as an easy link to the most authoritative flu websites on the Internet. If you have questions regarding the flu, please contact your physician, the Gordon County Health Department, or Gordon Hospital.
Gordon Hospital Information
Important Web Sites for Flu Information
H1N1 Toll-Free Hotline Numbers from Georgia Public Health
The H1N1 toll-free number for the general public is 1-888- H1N1INFO. The recorded messages are available 24/7, and access to a live specialist is available from 8 a.m. until midnight 7 days a week until further notice. Recorded information included on the hotline: general information about influenza like illness, H1N1 testing criteria and instructions, and H1N1 vaccine information.
Gordon Hospital Visitation Policy During Flu Season
New Beginnings Maternity Center
Because we love our moms and babies and because we want them to have the safest, healthiest delivery possible, Gordon Hospital will be changing its visitation policy for our maternity unit this flu season. As you may have read, the flu is particularly dangerous for pregnant and post-partum moms, and it is our goal to minimize the risks to this patient population.
Therefore, until further notice, visitation in our maternity center will be limited. Visitors must be well (no symptoms of the flu), at least 18 years of age or older, and have not been in contact with anyone who is sick or has been sick in the last 3-5 days.
Welcoming a new baby brother or sister is exciting, but becasue children have a high exposure risk, they will not be permitted to visit during this restricted time. We encourage patients to notify family of this policy prior to your delivery so that your family and friends can know and understand the policy. Once you are discharged, it will be your decision if you continue to restrict visitation of your new baby or if you will open your home to guests.
We encourage you to discuss the risks with both your doctor and your baby's pediatrician prior to making that decision.
Regular Hospital Visitation
Just like our new moms and babies, we want to protect our general inpatients as well. We ask that you not come to visit a patient if you are sick or have flu-like symptoms. In addition, do not visit if you have been exposed to someone who has become sick in the last 3-5 days.
Because we know that you want to express your concern for your family and firend's well being, we have developed a complimentary greeting card for you to complete and address. The cards will be available in the hospital lobby, and once completed will be given to the unit's nursing staff to deliver to the specified patient.
We apologize that our normally lenient visitation policy must become more restrictive, but are following recommendations set forth by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As always, Gordon Hospital remains committed to ensuring we provide the highest level of healthcare to every patient from our youngest to our oldest.