New security measures being taken for Winneshiek Medical Center's obstetrics department

The obstetrics department at Winneshiek Medical Center has taken new security measures.

The most noticeable change is requiring phone access to gain entrance to the OB department.  With the new system, visitors simply lift the telephone receiver outside the OB doors to request entrance.  The same process is required to leave the unit.

Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Linda Klimesh says, "Many facilities have created a more secure environment for their newborns.  Although none of us want to consider the possibility of infant abductions, they can happen.  Safety is of the upmost importance at Winneshiek Medical Center and our enhanced system provides the security families are seeking."

In addition to requiring phone access to the unit, the hospital has set visiting hours as 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.  Exceptions are made for special circumstances by health care providers or the OB staff.  Nurses are also encouraging families to have no more than four WELL visitors per patient at any one time.
 
For more information on visitor guidelines at Winneshiek Medical Center, go online at www.winmedical.org or call 563.382.2911.