Children and teenagers to lose visiting rights at Georgetown Hospital System

Starting October 26 the Georgetown Hospital system will not allow people under 19 years old to visit patients unless they are gravely ill.

Ann Walters chief of nursing says that because the H1N1 flu virus is spreading so rapidly among young people it is necessary to prevent them from bringing the virus into their facilities and from taking it out into their schools.

Cindy Mixson infection control coordinator says the policy will continue until the end of flu season, but given the swine flu’s nature of coming in waves through out the year, they do not have an anticipated finish date on the visitation policy.

Beginning November 2 the hospital system will begin offering flu vaccinations at local elementary schools. DHEC region 6 which covers the Georgetown plans to do the same at schools through out its area.