(Hanover, Pennsylvania) Temporary changes to its visitation policy has prompted Hanover Hospital to install two-way video cameras and flat screen monitors in the main lobby.  Multiple web cameras in the maternity and pediatrics departments will beam real-time images to waiting patients and families.      

Hanover Hospital, along with Gettysburg, Memorial and York Hospitals, recently announced that no one under age 18 may visit patients.  The health care organizations jointly agreed to implement the temporary change in policy to minimize the impact of the H1N1 Flu ("Swine Flu") on hospital patients and associates.  According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus.  The CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people.

“In our on-going commitment to our patients and their families, we felt it was very important to extend this opportunity for visitation," said Sharon Barrick, RN BSN, RNC-OB, Director of Maternal Child Services at Hanover Hospital. "We acknowledge that this is a very special time, not only for the new parents, but also the siblings who are eager to welcome their new sister or brother and we want to make this possible while maintaining the safety of our patients.” 

Visitors may request instructions and assistance at the Information Desk located in the main lobby of the hospital.  Future consideration may be given to installing web cameras in other hospital units.