Date: 3/31/2010 12:00:00 AM

     Clearfield Hospital announced today that it’s lifting visitor restrictions that have been in place since late November.

     The restrictions were necessary at that time due to the presence of the H1N1 and seasonal flu in the region, according to Infection Prevention Manager Sue Stiner, RN, BSN. Visitors under the age of 18 were not allowed in the hospital, and only two visitors were allowed per patient room.

     Stiner said there have been minimal flu cases in the community in the past few weeks, prompting the hospital’s infection control committee to lift restrictions.

     “Clearfield wasn’t hit as hard as other areas when it comes to H1N1, and I believe the reason why is because of the way Clearfield Hospital and the community responded. Had we not been so proactive, the effect on the community could have been much worse,” stated Dr. Gregory S. Sheffo, chief medical officer.  

     As soon as the threat of H1N1 presented, Clearfield Hospital gathered a group of clinicians and administrators to develop a plan to vaccinate at-risk groups first, and then the community at large. The hospital partnered with local school districts to vaccinate students; it also held several clinics at the hospital that were open to the public. More than 5,000 doses were given.

     The H1N1 vaccine is still available through the state Department of Health in Clearfield; those who haven’t been vaccinated are encouraged to do so.        

     Though the restrictions have been lifted, Stiner emphasized that people who are ill should refrain from visiting patients in the hospital.

     She also said that proper hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of disease.