Saint Barnabas Hospital Has Some Visiting Restrictions Due To Flu

LIVINGSTON, NJ — According to state Department of Health statistics, the number of flu cases in New Jersey have more than doubled this season, jumping from 1,507 in 2016-17 to 3,189 in 2017-18.

The number of flu cases has impacted the visitation policies at several New Jersey hospitals, some of which are screening every visitor — regardless of age — for cold or flu symptoms before they even walk in the door.

• See related article: Flu Cases Skyrocket In NJ (Find Out Where)
• See related article: As The Flu Rages, These NJ Hospitals Aren't Letting Kids Visit

So what’s the policy at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston? Patch reached out to the hospital, which provided the following reply.

“Saint Barnabas Medical Center has been caring for many people with the flu. We have on average 15-20 people daily who are in the hospital as a result of the flu. In addition to that, we are treating many people in the Emergency Department who have flu-like symptoms. We have visitor restrictions in place in our NICU and also in the Postpartum area. No children under 18 are allowed to visit either area. In our NICU we are limiting visiting to our parents and Designated Support people over the age of 18.”

A hospital spokesperson added:

“We are discouraging visitors who do not feel well or who have been exposed to individuals who are not feeling well. It is important for all visitors to the hospital to make sure to practice excellent hand hygiene (clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before and after your visit)."

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File Photo: Saint Barnabas Medical Center