West Valley Medical Center remains focused on preparation efforts and proactive measures regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here is a an overview of steps the hospital is taking to proactively protect our community:
Visitor restrictions implemented this week
This week West Valley implemented visitor restrictions. The hospital is only allowing one visitor per patient, they must be 18-years-old or older and healthy. Visitors may access the facility between 7:00am and 7:00pm. They will not be allowed access outside of these hours. Sometimes, unique circumstances arise, such as end of life, and exceptions will be considered in these cases.
Screening continues - Began two weeks ago
West Valley was the first in the valley to implement a screening process more than two weeks ago and it continues today. All visitors and patients must use specific entrances and will be screened, via our main entrance, Monday-Friday, 5:00am - 5:00pm or the Emergency Room entrance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The screening questions follow CDC guidelines:
- Are you experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat?
- Have you had contact with a lab confirmed Coronavirus patient in the past 14 days?
- Have you traveled out of the area in the last 14 days?
If the answer to any of these questions is "YES", patients are considered to be potentially at risk and will have a surgical mask placed on them and escorted to a separate area for additional screening.
Cafeteria: Reduced hours and options
The West Valley cafeteria is closed to the general public and will only be open during breakfast and lunch hours for employees and those visiting patients (6:30am - 10:00am and 11:00am - 2:00pm). Along with this change, the salad bar has been removed and the cafeteria is providing more "boxed" or prepared options.
Also the gift shop and flower sales are temporarily closed as a precaution.
Childcare for colleagues
We are working closely with community resources, schools, and churches to identify safe, childcare options for children of healthcare workers, including our EMS partners.
"Our employees stand ready to face the demands ahead of them. I'm proud to work alongside colleagues who have a true passion for caring for our community, even when times are uncertain," said Betsy Hunsicker, West Valley Chief Executive Officer."
Events cancelled
West Valley has cancelled the Rock 'N' Run 5k/10k scheduled for Saturday, April 25. We are working with our partner, the Caldwell Family YMCA and will let you know as soon as we have a new date (we are looking at Fall 2020). These measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution. We would like to thank our community for supporting this great cause and for your understanding in this decision.
Education seminars planned for May have also been cancelled.
Exercises, education and more preparation
The West Valley team is preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. The hospital is conducting table top exercises to be prepared for different circumstances that could arise.
Our efforts also include reinforcing appropriate infection prevention protocols and guidance from the CDC, ensuring that we have the necessary supplies.
West Valley regularly treats patients with infectious diseases and our clinical teams are highly trained in infection prevention protocols.
Resources and updates
Our West Valley team is meeting consistently, along with conducting daily calls with our parent organization, HCA Healthcare, to share best practices and processes given the current circumstances of this evolving situation. Patients and visitors can find more information on our COVID-19 hub.