Southeastern Regional Medical Center (SRMC) has implemented visitation restrictions starting today, Monday, Dec. 16, due to the increasing trend in flu cases throughout the region.
According to Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Obiefuna Okoye, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that flu season has started off with higher than normal activity for the past month and continues to rise.
The visitation restrictions allow for two visitors per patient ages 18 and older except in the emergency department, where only one visitor is allowed per patient. Any pastor/clergy who has registered with Pastoral Care Services and has an SeHealth clergy badge will be allowed to visit. Some areas, such as ICU, may have a stricter policy as part of their normal operations. Exceptions will be made in extreme medical circumstances only.
Any individual with flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, fever, headache, sore throat, coughing or vomiting, is asked not to visit patients at SRMC until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours. All visitors are reminded to wash hands before entering a patient room or interacting with a patient. Please note that general visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If friends or loved ones wish to contact individuals while a patient at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, they are encouraged to call or send cards or letters. Most patients may be reached by calling (910) 671-5000 and asking for the patient by name. Please be aware of patients’ need to rest by limiting phone calls during evening hours. Letters may be addressed to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, Patient Name, Room Number, PO Box 1408, Lumberton, NC 28359.
Individuals who feel they may be sick and need to seek non-emergency medical care may visit a Southeastern Health primary care or walk-in clinic. Walk-in clinics include: Southeastern Health Mall Clinic on the campus of Biggs Park Mall, The Clinic at Walmart at the Lumberton Supercenter, The Clinic at Lumberton Drug, The Clinic at Brisson Drug (St. Pauls), Southeastern Multi-Specialty and Urgent Care Pembroke, and Southeastern Multi-Specialty and Urgent Care Whiteville. For a complete clinic listing with hours and phone numbers, log on to www.southeasternhealth.org.
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