Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Announces Patient Visitation Restrictions to Ensure Patient, Families and Staff Safety

Updated as of February 16, 2015, 3 p.m. EST: Visitor policy restrictions have been lifted. Find current visitor policy at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital website.

MOUNT VERNON, VA – (December 23, 2014) – Due to increased flu-like illness activity at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, today, December 23^rd, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has instituted temporary changes to its visitation policy. This change will better protect hospital patients, their families and the medical staff who serve them.

The following temporary measures apply to visitors until further notice:

• No visitors under the age of 16
• No visitors with any symptoms of influenza-like illness
• Visitation will be limited to two persons
• Visitors may be issued masks for use while visiting, and will be asked to wash hands frequently
• In certain hospital areas (including Critical Care and Oncology) additional protective measures may apply.

“These temporary measures will help protect against influenza infection of the most vulnerable among us, including inpatients with compromised immune systems as well as our caregivers,” observed Dr. Loring Flint, Inova’s Chief Medical Officer. “We appreciate everyone’s consideration and cooperation as, together, we work to assure the health and safety of our community during flu season.”

Dr. Donald Brideau, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, added “this enhanced level of protection is intended to protect all who are involved in the patient care process. This change is an example of how our hospital works every day to ‘put the needs of the patient first’.”

All Inova hospitals have announced similar visitation changes after having experienced increases in flu-like illness activity across the region. These temporary measures will be discontinued when documented cases of flu activity return to more normal levels.

Media Contact: Curt McCormick, Director, Public Relations, 703-664-7109, curtis.mccormick@inova.org

About Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is a 237-bed hospital offering patients convenience and state-of-the-art care in a community environment. Our hospital sits on 26 acres of beautifully landscaped open space, where patients can find moments of serenity in our specially designed gardens.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is home to the nationally recognized Inova Joint Replacement Center and Inova Rehabilitation Center. Both are ranked among the top orthopedic and rehabilitation programs in the country. It also houses the Wound Healing Center.

Inova Mount Vernon Hospital has been ranked #13 in the Washington, DC, metro area, #20 in Virginia and recognized as one of the best in Northern Virginia. We are also ranked as a U.S. News Best Hospital in the specialty of orthopedics.