June 18, 2009

Michael B. Grosso, MD, FAAP
Sr. Vice President for Medical Affairs

On May 28th, Huntington Hospital joined all campuses of the North Shore – LIJ Health System in implementing changes to its Infection Control protocols for the Nursery and Post-partum units. These steps, which were taken in consultation with our Perinatology and Infectious Diseases experts, have been aimed at protecting mothers and infants from influenza infection, and in particular, infection with H1N1 swine origin influenza virus. Among the changes was the suspension of visitation by children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

In the interim, we have been monitoring this situation closely. No episodes of healthcare-associated influenza have occurred in either mothers or infants. Experts at our hospital and across the Health System have remained in close contact to ensure that further modifications of the protocol would occur in a timely manner.

Effective immediately, visitation of healthy children and adolescents is permitted. We are continuing to screen all individuals entering these areas of the hospital with brief interviews to identify and exclude persons of any age who may be experiencing influenza-like illness. We encourage our visitors to be understanding of any inconvenience imposed by this policy. Once again, our aim is to protect the safety of all our patients, while also continuing to encourage and support family-centered care and the best possible birth experience for our mothers and newborns.