Baystate Announces Temporary Changes to Visitor Policy for Flu Season

SPRINGFIELD — As the winter season continues, so has the increase in cold and flu illnesses, especially among children in the community. In the interest of providing a safe environment for young patients and minimizing the spread of such illnesses, Baystate is initiating temporary changes to its visitor policy only within Baystate Children’s Hospital and the Wesson Women & Infants’ Unit in Springfield, effective today, Jan. 21.

The following precautions have been announced: only two visitors at a time per patient, no visits from those not feeling well or who have the flu, and no visitors under the age of 12.

The restrictions are made in the best interest of both patients and the community. For those who wish to connect to a hospitalized child or the family, they can call, Skype, or FaceTime. Child Life team members will assist patients and families concerned about maintaining strong family connections.