Patients and Families Connect on CaringBridge While Hospitals Limit Visitation Due to H1N1

Free patient Web sites reduce isolation during hospital stays
EAGAN, Minn.--(Business Wire)--
Hospitals are placing higher restrictions on their visitation policies due to
the threat of H1N1. While this helps reduce exposure to the virus, it also means
that patients will see less of their family and friends, increasing their
feeling of isolation.

CaringBridge, a nonprofit providing free Web sites that connect loved ones
during a serious health event, is the solution to keeping patients from feeling
isolated during hospital stays. Patients can create their own virtual hospital
room on www.CaringBridge.org where family and friends can gather to exchange
health updates, love and support. Setting up a secure CaringBridge Web site
takes just a few minutes.

"It`s really important for patients to stay connected with their family and
friends while they are in the hospital," said Bradley Beard, president, Fairview
Southdale Hospital, Edina, Minn. "We recommend CaringBridge to our patients as
an alternative to in-person visits - especially now that we`ve increased
visitation restrictions."

Since 1997, more than 170,000 CaringBridge Web sites have been created.
"Although CaringBridge is primarily used during health events such as cancer,
premature birth and serious injury, it also serves as an excellent solution to
any situation where physical access to hospitals and patients is restricted,"
said Sona Mehring, founder and executive director, CaringBridge. "Recommending
CaringBridge is a great way for hospitals to maintain patient satisfaction while
they limit visitors."

Free resources are available to help health care facilities inform patients of
this alternative to in-person visits.

About CaringBridge

CaringBridge is a charitable nonprofit organization providing free Web sites
that connect family and friends to share information, love and support during a
serious health event, care and recovery. Its mission is to bring together a
global community of care, powered by the love of family and friends, in an easy,
accessible and private way. CaringBridge saves time and energy by centralizing
communication and easing the burden of updating everyone during a health event.

CaringBridge
Melissa Holm, 651-789-3375
media@caringbridge.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009