Kings County Memorial Hospital (KCMH) is temporarily restricting patient visits as a number of patients and staff are experiencing symptoms of gastro-intestinal illness.
Effective immediately and for the next 48 hours, KCMH will be limiting visitation to one visitor per patient at a time. The hospital’s administration is asking family, friends and loved ones to coordinate hospital visits over the next two days.
“We are currently processing lab specimens from patients experiencing gastro-intestinal illness symptoms, specifically diarrhea, to determine the nature of the illness and if there is a common link between these patients,” said Community Hospitals – East Administrator Edna Miller. “Patients experiencing gastro-intestinal illness symptoms are being placed on precautions and staff have heightened infection control practices. To ensure patient and public safety, visiting restrictions are being put in place effective immediately.”
It is extremely important that everyone coming to the hospital, including visitors and persons coming in for tests, x-rays or ambulatory procedures clean their hands before and after entering a patient’s room, a department, and upon entering and leaving the facility. Alcohol hand rinse stations are available throughout the building for this purpose.
The situation will be reassessed Wednesday as more information is made available. A further update will be provided at that time.