The flu season is in full swing and we are seeing the effects of that right here in Central Iowa. As a result, we have made the decision to implement enhanced visitor guidelines throughout all units of our hospitals in order to better protect our patients, family and staff. These new guidelines are will go into effect immediately.
Visitor guidelines are temporary and in effect during the flu season, and are subject to change as necessary. The enhanced guidelines are as follows:
- No more than two visitors at a time
- Visitors need to be 18 years of age and older (including siblings).
- Exceptions may be made for cases involving critically-ill patients or end-of-life situations.
All visitors need to be in good health. If you are coughing or sneezing, you may be asked to wear a mask, or leave the patient care area. If you are visiting an ill patient, you may be asked to wear a mask for your protection. Please refrain from visiting if you have had flu-like symptoms during the past seven days. Those symptoms include, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- Fever 100ยบ degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and
- Cough, and/or
- Sore throat.
Please wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand foam/gel upon entering and exiting a patient's room.
Visitor Guidelines Q & A
We understand these enhanced visitor guidelines may be difficult for you. While we are committed to providing a family-centered care environment, right now we believe restricting visitors is in the best interest of our patients' health and safety.
Please help us ensure our hospitals stay as healthy as possible during this flu season. Thank you for your consideration in this effort.
Wait times for urgent care clinics are listed online.
Ankeny Clinic
1105 N. Ankeny Blvd.
964-4600
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lakeview Family Medicine
6000 University Ave., Ste. 101
241-2600
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Merle Hay Family Medicine
4631 Merle Hay Rd.
278-0949
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Southglen Family Medicine
7481 Highway 65/69
953-1500
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Urbandale Family Physicians
2901 86th St.
276-3406
Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.