Arizona's Banner Health releases 'visitor rules' for flu season to safeguard patients and staff
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Banner Health facilities have reportedly initiated their seasonal visitor restrictions due to the heightened risk of flu and respiratory viruses.
These restrictions, now in effect, apply to all Banner hospitals across six states, including Arizona, starting from Monday, December 4, per KTAR News.
What are the new visitor restrictions at at Banner Health hospitals?
The new rules at Banner Health facilities include several key measures.
Children under 13 are not permitted in patient rooms. If they are visiting the hospital, they must be supervised by an adult in a public waiting area or cafeteria.
Visitors experiencing symptoms such as a cough, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea are advised not to visit the hospital.
Siblings are allowed to visit new babies in the obstetrics unit, but they will be subject to an illness screening by medical staff before their visit.
These measures are designed to protect both patients and staff during the flu season.
What is the aim of the new restrictions at Banner Health hospitals?
Joan Ivaska, the executive director of infection prevention at Banner Health, emphasized in a statement that the safety and health of their patients, staff, and visitors are of utmost importance.
"We implement hospital restrictions during this time of year to keep everyone safe and help prevent the spread of infection."
"We appreciate visitors complying with our precautions to help protect themselves and others."
Visitors at the hospital are strongly advised to either wash their hands or use a sanitizer to help prevent the transmission of diseases.
Encouraging vaccination amid flu season
According to the Banner Health website, healthcare professionals are closely monitoring this year's flu and respiratory virus season.
Despite the current low rate of hospitalizations, Banner Health is urging everyone aged six months and older to get the flu vaccine for their protection and the safety of others.
It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot.
The flu shot can be obtained at any Banner Health Urgent Care facility, and most insurance providers cover the cost of the vaccination.
Banner Health: Decades of growth
Banner Health, with its headquarters in Arizona, operates additional facilities in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. It marked its 20th anniversary in 2019.
The healthcare provider was established on September 1, 1999, following the merger of two nonprofits, the Samaritan Health System and the Lutheran Health System.
Samaritan Health System was recognized for its clinical excellence in California and Arizona, primarily in the Phoenix metro area, while Lutheran Health System was a respected healthcare provider in the rural West and Midwest, as per its website.
At the time of the merger, Banner Health had a presence in 14 states, employed 22,500 people, operated 32 hospitals, and had 2,882 beds. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest healthcare systems in the country.
Currently, Banner Health operates in six states, employs more than 39,000 people, runs 28 hospitals, and continues to expand its network of health centers and clinics.
