Catawba Valley Medical Center will join other area hospitals in restricting visitors under the age of 18 beginning Monday, October 5, 2009. The medical center is taking this action because the H1N1 flu is now reported as widespread in North Carolina and the incidence of flu illness in children and young adults is growing.

"After consulting with the Catawba County Public Health Department, we are taking this action as a precautionary measure to help protect our patients and their family members," says President & CEO J. Anthony Rose. "We feel it is important to take this step to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu," reports Rose.

"Rather than limit all visitors, we are asking that children and teens refrain from visiting our facilities unless they have an appointment, a procedure scheduled, or an emergency," he says. "Our physicians report that children and adolescents are more susceptible to the H1N1 flu strain and often are contagious before they exhibit symptoms which is why they may more quickly spread the virus to others."

"We are also urging anyone with flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or fever to choose another time to visit." says Rose. "By being cautious now, we all can help limit the spread of both the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses."

Physicians recommend that everyone get the seasonal flu shot now. The vaccine is now available in area physicians’ offices and through the Catawba County Public Health Department. We have just begun vaccinating our staff within the past few days. State Public Health officials will soon begin distributing the new H1N1 vaccine to high risk groups. The public is encouraged to check the Catawba County Public Health, Catawba Valley Medical Center, and the Centers for Disease Control websites for more information and the status of the flu in our region.

For the past 26 years, Catawba Valley area seniors have put their trust in Catawba Valley Medical Center’s (CVMC) Lifeline program for better ways to stay connected with friends, family and emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To celebrate its anniversary, CVMC’s Lifeline program invites the public to visit the medical center on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. At this anniversary celebration, CVMC’s Lifeline will unveil its new medical alert service integrated into a cordless phone. Attendees can enjoy a slice of celebration cake and Lifeline giveaways. Door prizes will also be awarded.

“Not only does the new Philips Lifeline Cordless Phone Communicator work with the Lifeline Help Button to provide connection to Lifeline for help in an emergency, it also keeps seniors connected to their friends and family,” said Carol Beard, CVMC Lifeline program coordinator. “This new cordless phone communicator is designed to address many of the challenges seniors face, such as loss of dexterity, vision and hearing. It has large buttons, easy-to-read displays and clearer sound with a louder volume range, making it easier for seniors to hear their conversations. The Lifeline Cordless Phone also boasts several unique safety features. It allows Help Calls even if it is left off the hook,” continued Ms. Beard.

Catawba Valley Medical Center invites healthcare professionals and the community to attend the next ‘Conversations in Ethics’ to be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Northwest AHEC Lecture Hall, Room 112. This monthly, no-charge meeting provides an opportunity for discussion of some of the most important issues facing the healthcare profession today.

This month’s case study is called “Who Gets It?” When a real or potential public health crisis like the H1N1 virus becomes apparent, challenging public and private ethical dilemmas arise. A public health emergency will lead to shortages of mechanical ventilators, critical care beds, and other potentially life-saving treatments. Difficult decisions will be needed regarding who will and will not receive these scarce resources. For consideration at this session is the following hypothetical situation. A 25-year-old student, a 25-year-old truck driver and a 25-year-old prisoner are brought into the Emergency Room. All three are in critical condition with H1N1 and each requires a ventilator. Each would have a high chance of a full recovery with assistance from a ventilator although only one device is available. Among the questions for discussion include: How adequate is current legislation for dealing with isolation of patients, quarantine and social distancing? Can workers be forced to remain at work (particularly healthcare workers)? Is it legal to quarantine a person with H1N1 against his/her will? To what degree is a person’s autonomy put aside for the well being of the majority?