WakeMed Implements Seasonal Visitation Restrictions

RALEIGH, N.C. (December 16, 2024) – Every fall, respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) arrive in our community. For most people, RSV illness is manageable. However, for premature infants, newborn babies, young children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised, RSV can cause severe illness or even death.

To help prevent the spread of illness and prevent any additional illness while patients are in our care, seasonal visitation restrictions at WakeMed’s hospitals have been implemented.

Effective December 16, visitation in the areas of WakeMed’s hospitals where babies and children receive care is limited to people ages 12 and up. These areas include:

• WakeMed Children’s Hospital
• Neonatal Intensive Care Units 
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit 
• Labor, Delivery & Postpartum Care Units
• OB Emergency Departments 
• Newborn Nurseries 
• Special Care Nursery

While we truly understand that visitation restrictions can be difficult for families, WakeMed is committed to ensuring our patients are safe while they are in our care. Restricting visitation is best clinical practice.

As always, anyone with symptoms of any acute, contagious illness, should not visit WakeMed out of respect for our patients.

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 1,003-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 165 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes nearly 12,000 employees, 1,200 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 800 physicians and advanced practice providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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For Additional Information:
Kristin Kelly
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
919-350-5921
krkelly@wakemed.org