BRMC Fighting Spread of Flu

To help minimize the spread of illness during this upcoming flu season, Bradford Regional Medical Center officials are installing special sanitizer stations throughout the main campus for use by visitors and others in the building.

"It's a way of encouraging our visitors to use precautionary measures, especially if they're feeling ill," explained Deborah Price, BRMC's Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services.

According to federal and state officials, this year's seasonal flu season could affect record numbers of patients, with the additional health threat posed by H1N1 (swine) flu. BRMC's sanitizer stations consist of lucite holders which provide users with hand sanitizers, Kleenex and face masks.

Terrie O'Brien, BRMC's infection control practitioner, said that anyone entering the building exhibiting signs of respiratory illness should stop by the sanitizer stations. "We're encouraging individuals to stay home if they have coughs, fevers, or upper respiratory symptoms. But if they need to come to the Medical Center seeking treatment, we ask that they take a mask and use the hand sanitizers," she said.

All items are free. The sanitizer stations are located at several of the hospital's most highly-trafficked areas: the Information Desks at the 116 Interstate Parkway entrance and Outpatient Services Center entrance; the labs in the Outpatient Services Center and the second floor; the Emergency Department Triage Liaison desk; Imaging Services Reception Desk; and The Pavilion at BRMC entrance. Hospital officials say items should be disposed of immediately after use.

Health officials remind the public that the seasonal and H1N1 (swine) flu spread the same ways: from person to person, mainly by sneezing or coughing by people with influenza or touching infected objects (such as doorknobs and telephones) then touching your nose or mouth. "Frequent hand washing is extremely important during this critical season," Mrs. O'Brien added.

This week, BRMC officials were notified that the Medical Center has been selected as a provider of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. Mrs. Price said the public should watch local media for notices of upcoming community clinics.

"The vaccine has not been issued to us yet, so we are not able to schedule clinic dates but will notify the public as soon as we're able," she said. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccine is recommended for priority groups as follows: pregnant women; persons six months to 24 years old; healthcare providers and EMS personnel; parents, household members or caregivers of children under six months; and those under 65 with certain underlying medical conditions.

BRMC's community clinics will be held in the Outpatient Services Center lobby, N. Bennett St. Ext. in Bradford. Individuals may also check BRMC's website for the scheduled dates at www.brmc.com. BRMC officials have already issued a statement prohibiting individuals 17 and younger from visiting patients at the hospital until further notice. The policy was issued, Mrs. Price said, as a further step toward minimizing the spread of illness among patients and employees. In addition, a mandatory policy was established this fall which required employees to obtain the seasonal flu vaccine.

"We need to keep our employees healthy, in order to care for our community," Mrs. Price explained.

Pictured, Bradford Regional Medical Center Volunteer Dick Wilson gets instructions about the use of new sanitizer stations from infection control practitioner Terrie O'Brien. Several new lucite holders on campus now feature hand sanitizers, Kleenex and face masks, free for use by hospital visitors as a preventive measure this flu season.

(Photo courtesy of BRMC)
e-mail from Kimberly Maben, BRMC