Seasonal Influenza precautions in place at Abrazo Health hospitals

1/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

PHOENIX (January 15, 2012) – As of January 10, 2013, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported that influenza levels have reached widespread activity. Based upon this information, Abrazo Health has implemented the following restrictions to best protect our patients and visitors:

• Hospital visitors are restricted to adults and children over the age of 12.
• Only visitors in good health will be permitted in patient areas.
• Visitors will be asked to utilize appropriate hand hygiene before and after visiting.
• Hand hygiene stations are located at public entrances.
• Patients arriving at emergency departments with influenza-like symptoms will be offered a mask and instructed in hand hygiene.
• Patients admitted with influenza will be placed on droplet precautions (utilizing surgical masks) for duration of illness.

About Abrazo Health Care
As the second largest health care delivery system in Arizona, Abrazo Health Care is committed to providing excellent medical care to the residents of Maricopa County. The Abrazo system includes five acute care hospitals: Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Paradise Valley Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital; and one specialized cardiovascular hospital, Arizona Heart Hospital; with a combined 1,027 licensed beds. In addition the system consists of two health plans: Phoenix Health Plan, and Abrazo Advantage, serving nine counties in the state; School-Based Health Centers; and Abrazo Medical Group with 70 employed physicians in 19 Valley locations. Visit www.abrazohealth.com for more information.

###

Contacts:                                                                                                         

Meghann Finn-Sepulveda

mfinn-sepulveda@abrazohealth.com