The community is currently experiencing an increase of influenza. In an effort to keep our patients and staff as healthy as possible, we are limiting the age of visitors to 15 years of age or older.

Frequently asked questions about this new policy:

Why can't my children come to the hospital to visit?
The Center for Disease Control reports the highest numbers of influenza cases are in children. Children learn basic hygiene practices at different ages and may or may not cover their coughs, clean their noses and wash their hands in a manner that will prevent germs from spreading.

What can I do with my children if I want to visit a patient at Liberty Hospital?
Do not bring your children to the hospital. If your children have signs or symptoms of illness, they should not be at the hospital because they could put other visitors, patients and hospital employees at risk. If they are fully healthy and are supervised by another adult, you may leave them in the waiting room while you visit.

What if my child is a patient at Liberty Hospital and I have other children?
Check with staff on the Pediatric Unit before visiting. For additional information or to contact the Pediatric Unit, call 816-792-7048.

Is Liberty Hospital the only facility limiting visitors during flu season?
Many hospitals in the area are implementing similar visiting restrictions during influenza season.

Who can we contact if we have questions regarding children visiting?
Pediatric Unit: 816-792-7048
Birthing Center: 816-792-7229
Infection Control: 816-792-7038

If you are calling after normal business hours, please contact the hospital operator at 816-781-7200 and ask for the nursing supervisor on duty.

Visiting hours
Visitors can be good medicine for patients. Family members and friends are welcome to visit. However, patient care is our primary concern at Liberty Hospital, and in order to enhance the quality of care, specific visiting regulations have been established for each unit. Patients, family, staff and physicians may participate in defining the visiting times to meet your individual needs.

Visiting regulations
Following are general guidelines for visitors:
1. Visitors must dress appropriately and must wear shirts and shoes.

2. People with colds or any other contagious diseases should not visit patients.
 
3. Visits should be kept short.

4. Visitors must maintain a quiet environment and avoid unnecessary noise.
 
5. Visitors may be asked to leave the room during tests or treatments, or when the doctor or nurse needs to see the patient.

6. The number of visitors may be limited based on the patient's condition and out of respect for other patients.

Gifts for patients
Visitors should check with the nurse before bringing gifts of food or drink to patients. Please check with the nurse to make sure your gift is appropriate. On the intensive care unit, please check with the unit nurse regarding gifts or flowers for the patient.

No latex policy
Due to the increased incidence of latex-related allergies of our patients and staff members, Liberty Hospital has adopted a latex-free guideline for all areas of the hospital. As part of this guideline, the hospital will no longer accept latex balloons for patients, their family members or hospital staff.