there should be an exception....

• 11-07-2009 7:33 PM

  Heidi1130017 Joined on 01-06-2006 Sultan, Wa Posts 386

  there should be an exception.... Reply Contact So I feel strongly that there should be an exception to the hospitals visitation restrictions if the person isn't sick and has had the flu shot and H1N1 shots. Don't you get vaccinated so you can't get the bug? I know it isn't 100% but is lessens your chances by a TON. We just found out that our hospital is restricting visitors 12 and under...those who have had a fever of 100.4 in the last 24hours. Even if you have a runny noise or congestion, cough or sore throat they won't let you in. I am having a c-section so I will be there for three days practically alone now. I usually have lots of people to keep me company and make the days go by faster. My boys are so little they won't wear the face mask that is required for them to come visit their brother even though they have BOTH gotten BOTH shots. So they are gonna have to stay an extra day at my parents and Tyler will have to wait in the car when he picks me up. He will have the boys so he can't come in and help me get all the stuff and the baby out of the room. This just bites.... I sure hope Tyler and my mom don't get sick before the surgery. They both go in with me. That would really suck if the father couldn't be there because of their stupid rule. He has had both of the shots too. I get the reason for it...just don't understand why they won't even let you in if you have had all your friggin shots....makes us sound like our pets doesn't it.

• 11-07-2009 7:57 PM

  In reply to

  ShaTerra 1690568 Joined on 09-11-2006 Fairborn, OH Posts 231

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact I understand your standpoint but at the same time, trying to show proof that a person has had the shot when ppl can make up false proof nowadays is better nipped in the bud w/ them just making that rule period. It'd take too much time away from them trying to check who's had the shot and who hasnt plus trying to stay in tune w/ patients at the same time which is their job. It would make things very hectic and would cause them to be vulnerable to ppl possibly kidnapping ppl's newborns or sneaking into areas they arent allowed to be in. Its just an unnecessary risk that they should make precaution for. Thats why military bases set themselves up the way they do. If you bend the rule a little bit to accommodate others, ppl always wanna take an inch and go a mile. I understand about your children not being able to visit and how it'll bring issues w/ your family being able to visit for watching them. My son is 2 1/2 yrs old and cant see the baby til we get home but I understand the precautions and why so I'd rather be safe than sorry b/c I dont want my child to attract anything from anyone that could possibly slip in if the rules were bent. If something happened to you or your newborn and they didnt have a rule of precaution, you'd probably wanna raise hell on why they didnt set up any type of precautions as well so its actually a question that has no exact answer for you. We can only give our opinions. Please dont be mad at me for my answer.

• 11-07-2009 9:31 PM

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  emily3380513 Joined on 05-01-2009 Texas Posts 324

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact It seems like there should be a way for these hospitals to make an exception for siblings. Most maternity wards are separated from the other units so it shouldn't be so hard to arrange. My husband and I haven't had either shot. It's a wonder they will let us in to give birth. I really feel there is some serious overreaction going on but I guess since the people in the hospital are already vulnerable due to illness they don't want to risk liability. Sorry you are having to deal with this. Hope your days in the hospital go quickly and smoothly and both your mom and Tyler are able to be there for you.

• 11-08-2009 7:03 AM

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  hopeful_mommy Joined on 04-23-2009 Iowa Due: 12/17/09 Posts 164

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact I understand the frustration here. I just found out last week my hospital has changed thier policy as well. They are much more strict though. I cannot have anyone visit at all.I can have my husband and that is it. The rule is... No one under the age 18 who does not live in your household. So, not even my mother or my MIL will be able to see the baby until we come home:( I also have had to find childcare for my daughter while we are gone. This is also very upsetting to me because I spend everyday w/ my daughter and she is very attached to me... I think this is going to be very hard on her as well as me. It will be much harder for her to understand I think w/out being able to come to the hospital.... I also wish they could make an acception for siblings... and as for my hospital I cannot believe not even immediate family can visit anymore... all this is getting a little blown out of proportion I think.

• 11-08-2009 7:38 AM

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  Musical Christy Joined on 03-21-2008 S11-18-97/S01-13-99 A4-04 D11-18-08 EDD 12-24-09 Posts 536

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact My hospital changed on Nov 2nd... no one under age 18 and no one that is sick... My sons came to the hospital last year when their little sister was born on my oldest sons bday.... it was so nice and I got great pics... I am very upset... they are nearly 11 and nearly 12... I am also a stay at home mom.. and my DD is very attached... she won't nap or go to bed at night without me... so I know... If I have a C/S my DH will have a heck of time for the 2-4days I am in the hospital.. I can't stand the thought of not seeing her for more than a few hours.... i understand the precautions... I am just not liking the options that come with them...

• 11-08-2009 8:59 AM

  In reply to

  Cookiethief2 Joined on 12-18-2006 #1 5/17/06 #2 6/11/07 #3 12/18/09 Posts 1,007

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact I can understand where you're coming from. I have no idea what the hospital policy is here, I've checked their website, but there's nothing there. I plan on taking my pre-registration stuff in on Wednesday, so hopefully I can find out then.   I'd be upset if my kids(ages 2 and 3 and have NOT had the flu or H1N1 shot and won't be getting them) weren't allowed to go in, but if the rules say "No" then no it is and I'll cope.  I can understand how you feel. However, having worked in a hospital myself(nurse) it is MUCH easier to tell someone, "I'm sorry, but hospital policy says that noone under the age of 18 is allowed up here" than to have to stop them and ask for proof of their shot records.  Also, because each doctor's office is different, the forms all look different so it's totally easy to fake records, which then puts everyone at risk.  I'd much rather noone be allowed, than to take the risk that someone in the next room didn't know they were sick, were sick less than 24 hours ago but felt they weren't contagious and felt fine, or were sick but wanted to visit their loved ones so badly that they didn't care about anyone else.  The other thing is that alot of people don't understand completely how the whole sick vs not sick thing works and they believe that if they feel fine from the meds that they are taking then they are not contagious and therefore can't pass their illness onto someone else. It frustrates me when I find out that someone who's visiting me was sick a week ago and they didn't tell me...because they can still be contagious and if I don't know they've been sick, I can't take precautions to make sure that my kids hands are washed more frequently and that whatever they've touched is cleaned when they leave(or not looking *wink*). I'm far from a germaphobe, but I can understand the hospital's policy on not allowing anyone under a certain age or only allowing one other person(than the mother) into the hospital. That being said, I do think the hype with the H1N1 virus is being blown WAY out of proportion and I haven't changed MY lifestyle because of it. I still eat out, I still go shopping, I still visit with people...*shrug*  I'm not getting the flu shot or the h1n1 vaccine and neither is my family.

• 11-08-2009 9:31 AM

  In reply to

  Heidi1130017 Joined on 01-06-2006 Sultan, Wa Posts 386

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact like I said before...I DO understand the reason for it...I just feel they should be a little less strict. It is crazy. We were at the hospital for Patricks surgery last monday and people were coming and going all the time. When we checked into the hospital they asked us a couple of questions...anyone can answer no too, btw...and they gave us a sticker to wear..."we were screened on MONDAY". Thats it. If it was such an issue wouldn't they have been checking at the door or something like that. It is just so crazy. Our FMC (family maternity center) is behind double doors anyway. You have to check in to even get in or get past the nurses station so no one can just steal a baby. I just feel the whole situation has excalating beyond what it should be. You hear about this person or that person in the hospital or who has died with the H1N1 virus...what they don't tell you is people die every year from complications from the flu too. There is a new strain of flu about every 4 years or so. Why is it so crazy this time...ya know. I am not upset at any of your comments. You do have to remember this is MY opinion and vent. Not trying to stur up anything. Just a very pregnant emotional mess these days. I know in the grand skeem of things it isn't the end of the world if they boys and everyone else has to wait a day or two to meet TJ. It just sucks that it has come to this and we HAVE to abide by there rules. I HAVE to have a C-section so it isn't like I can opt for a home birth or anything. I just hate being at the mercy of the darned system! *wink* *wink* NOT much of a "you have to do this" kinda person! LOL

• 11-08-2009 3:05 PM

  In reply to

  SRAND Joined on 09-03-2008 Chicago, IL Mom to 3 yr old Dominic; due 12/08/09 Posts 363

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact  I TOTALLY agree with you Heidi.  I found out about my hospital's change in policy a week or so ago and it's the same thing - no one under 14 at all.  I was so pissed (and still am) i posted about it and vented but i'm still mad.  I think it is ridiculous too.  I am a scientist (not a doctor or nurse, but still i follow a lot of the research) and i think the media and government are totally blowing this whole H1N1 thing out of proportion.  I agree, it is a dangerous strain of flu, but it's the FLU not ebola or something.  Thousands of people die from the regular flu every year and nothing is really thought of it.  I'm in the same boat that I HAVE to have a c-section so i have to go into the hospital.  It's bad enough having to follow a doctor or hospitals schedule but to take this away from us too is just too much.  They need to rethink the sibling policy.  What if i get H1N1 and bring it into the hospital when i deliver?  Are they going to refuse me?  My husband is allowed to stay as long as he wants, but what if he has H1N1?  I don't understand why they think restricting it to over 14 or 18 will really make a difference??

• 11-08-2009 5:13 PM

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  DawninWA Joined on 04-02-2009 Posts 428	Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact Well I will be trying out our hospital in 16 days for you Heidi. Hopefully they won't be as bad as they are trying to say they are going to be. I believe you can only have two visitors at a time, well my mom has to bring my kids, that is 3 and it isn't like you can send a 5 and 3 year old down the hall to find mommy.

• 11-09-2009 10:16 AM

  In reply to

  Cookiethief2 Joined on 12-18-2006 #1 5/17/06 #2 6/11/07 #3 12/18/09 Posts 1,007	Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact That's pretty nuts that they're not doing much more than asking a couple questions and handing you a sticker. Seems like if they're going to be so "strict" about the policy, then they should be. Is it the whole hospital or just the maternity ward that's being so absolutely ridiculous about it?

• 11-09-2009 12:31 PM

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  sherri1431454 Joined on 05-18-2006 Canadian Mommy to Jaylin 01/11/07 EDD 12/19/09 Posts 438

  Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact At my hospital it is no one under 16 no matter what. They aren't allowed in ANY part of the hospital, so its not like I could even walk down to the cafeteria and have Jaylin meet me there to see her. She will be coming with Daddy to pick me and the baby up, but we had to make arrangements with my cousin to come with Matt and sit in the car with Jaylin while Matt comes up and helps me bring the baby and our stuff down. I think if you are immunized and a sibling the rules should be different, but they aren't so there is nothing I can do aboutt it :( It sucks though!!!

• 11-09-2009 7:05 PM

  In reply to

  Heidi1130017 Joined on 01-06-2006 Sultan, Wa Posts 386	Re: there should be an exception.... Reply Contact Dawn...Let me know how it goes. I talked to the doctor a little today but not a whole lot. Hope it isn't as bad as they are making it out to be too!!