Abrazo Health hospitals in North Central Phoenix and around the Valley are relaxing their visitation policy after tightening up rules due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The hospitals, effective May 13, have started allowing one designated visitor to accompany patients coming to the medical centers for elective procedures or one visitor per patient in the Emergency Department. Visitors will be screened to determine whether they have a fever, respiratory symptoms or have traveled to high-risk locations. They also must wear visitor identification and a face mask and sanitize their hands. Specifically designated waiting areas allow for social distancing for visitors and also include more cleaning measures. Visitors who do not meet the screening criteria will not be allowed to come into the hospital.
These visitation policies are effective for Abrazo Central Campus at 2000 W. Bethany Home Road, as well as Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in Glendale, Abrazo Mesa Hospital in Mesa, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus in the Northeast Valley and Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear.
Dr. Brian Hess, Emergency Department physician at Abrazo Central Campus, said the emergency department is still open amid the COVID-19 crisis. Hess urged people not to delay care if they or loved ones have symptoms that may best be evaluated in an emergency room. Broken bones, cuts that might require stitches, shortness of breath, as well as head or eye injuries, are examples of issues that need emergency care. If you believe you or someone else might have had a heart attack or stroke, call 9-1-1.
Abrazo Health facilities have masks, hand sanitizers, hand soap and isolation rooms, as well as space for social distancing, to try to keep patients, staff members and visitors safe during the pandemic.
To learn more about Abrazo Health, visit abrazohealth.com.
