Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Infection And Allergy Risks Prompt Many Hospitals To Ban Get-Well Gifts
The flowers, stuffed animals or balloons that people traditionally buy to cheer up a hospitalized patient are no longer welcome at many facilities due to health concerns.
The next time you plan to bring a gift to a friend in the hospital, check the visitor policy first. Some health-care facilities are tightening restrictions on where flowers, plants, balloons and other cheery items are allowed, citing concerns about the potential for infection, among other risks. Most intensive-care units have been no-flower zones for decades. Many hospitals now have banned latex balloons out of concern for latex allergies. Now, some are extending limitations to ICU step-down units, cardiac-care units, pediatrics, labor and delivery units. (Beck, 6/6)
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