H1N1 Update

October 23, 2009

Dear Team Member:
We continue to monitor the situation and have implemented a number of plans to address all contingencies regarding both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. Many team members, volunteers and physicians have taken advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu at no charge. We currently have enough seasonal flu vaccine for all team members and will continue to offer it.

Last week we received an initial allocation of H1N1 vaccine and implemented our plan to administer it to select groups of team members. The protocol was developed in cooperation with our local department of health and is consistent with CDC guidelines.

Our goal is to have 100% of our team members vaccinated against the seasonal flu.Weare making great progress toward achieving that. Remember, team members who participate in our Passport to Health wellness program earn an extra point for each influenzainjection (seasonal and H1N1).

Reminders and Updates

1. Continue to follow the guidance we provided previously regarding the seasonal flu i.e., cover the nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing, use tissues, perform hand hygiene, offer procedure masks as needed, and encourage those coughing to stay at least three feet away.

2. Team members should not report to work if they have influenza-like illness.

• Influenza-like illness is defined as: Fever (100 degrees or greater) and cough or sore throat, and no other known cause of illness.

3. There are new guidelines in regard to the length of time an team member with flu-like symptoms should stay away from work.

• Team members with flu-like symptoms should be excluded from work for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

4. We have temporarily suspended the opportunity for high school students to perform as interns or volunteers. We will issue further updates regarding this important issue.

5. The current policies and procedures regarding attendance, PTO, EIB and leaves of absence continue. As has been the practice, a request for certification of a leave is between the team memberand the health care provider.

Thank you for all you do each and every day! We will continue to provide updates as we progress through the flu season.  Connect with your leadership team and access the hospital website regarding further developments.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mike Schatzlein
CEO