In response to a spike in respiratory illnesses, Hillsdale Hospital in Southern Michigan has implemented visitor restrictions at the Bediako Birthing Center, starting today. The hospital reports a surge in cases of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19, which pose particularly grave risks to newborns.
Protective measures at the birthing center now limit patient visitors to just the birthing person's significant other and one other support person. As reported by MLive, hospital officials emphasized the necessity of these restrictions to ensure the safety and health of the infants. While healthy grandparents may visit postpartum, they must do so two at a time, and children, including siblings of the newborn, are not allowed in the birthing center during this period.
These rules also apply to surgical patients, who may have only one designated visitor. Outpatients cannot receive visitors until labor begins. Officials encourage all visitors to wear masks, according to WILX.
According to WLNS, Hillsdale Hospital will review visitor guidelines weekly and lift restrictions when it is safe. The measures protect vulnerable infants from the current surge in severe respiratory illnesses.
