Q. Why is Valleywise Health easing its visitor restrictions?
A. The number of new infections in Maricopa County is down significantly over the last several weeks. We feel that it’s time to update our visitor restrictions based on science and a thoughtful approach and to welcome back family and friends who are an essential part of the healing process for our patients.
We continually monitor CDC and ADHS recommendations and consult with our infectious disease experts and other area health care systems. The safety of our patients, caregivers and employees remains our top priority, and we are making changes to the visitation policy only to the extent that we feel confident we can maintain that commitment.
Q. What visitor requirements are in place?
A. Hospitalized patients may now have one visitor at their bedside during visiting hours. Restrictions will remain in place for COVID-19 patient care areas to protect patients, visitors and staff.
Patients arriving for procedures or clinic appointments may have 1 companion accompany them into the medical center and ambulatory clinics.
In addition, here are other changes to the visitor policy during the pandemic.
- Visitors will be screened upon arrival at all Valleywise Health facilities
- Visitors must wear face masks at all times inside any Valleywise Health facility and when riding shuttles at the main campus
- Social distancing will be required in all gathering areas
- Virtual visits for COVID-19 patients will continue to be supported
- Patients who are at the end of life may have 2 loved ones visit at one time
Q. What are the visiting hours for Valleywise Health Medical Center?
A. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; exceptions will be accommodated on an individual basis.
Q. What are the age requirements for visitors?
A. Visitors must be over the age of 18. Exceptions, will may be made for end of life situations.
Q. What if there is more than one family member seeking to visit?
A. More visitors are welcome during established visiting hours, however just one visitor will be allowed at the bedside at a time. Exceptions may be made for end of life. Other visitors may not enter the building.
Q. What if a visitor refuses to wear a face covering?
A. Our universal masking policy is mandatory and designed to keep everyone safe from the risk of infection spread. If necessary, we will engage hospital security to ensure compliance.
Q. Can visitors leave the hospital room to go to the cafeteria?
A. Yes, visitors may leave to the go to the cafeteria or coffee cart. However, they will be discouraged from unnecessary travel within the facility. Visitors are discouraged from leaving and re-entering the hospital during visitor hours.
Q. Where do visitors go if a patient is scheduled for a lengthy surgery or procedure?
A. One visitor may accompany the patient to the scheduled procedure/surgery to pre-op and may wait in the Surgery or Procedural area waiting room during patient’s procedure.
Q. What about our behavioral health hospitals? Do the same rules apply?
A. Behavioral Health and Emergency Departments will be reassessed for opening to visitors at the beginning of September 2020.
