NEW BEDFORD - Southcoast Hospitals Group has limited visitor access to maternity and pediatric units to protect the patients most at-risk for H1N1 (Swine) flu and seasonal flu.
      The policy applies to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
      "Southcoast Hospitals is asking the public to avoid visits to friends and family in the hospital if they have cold or flu symptoms," said Patrick Gannon,Vice President of Quality & Safety for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "We are limiting visitors to the maternity and pediatric units at our three hospitals to only those over the age of 18 years old, including siblings. Children who are sick at any time of the year should never come to the hospital to visit a patient."
      In addition, no visitors with cold or flu symptoms will be allowed. The policy will continue to be reviewed as the flu season progresses.