We wanted to provide additional information on what the Phoenix VA Health Care System is doing in preparation for COVID-19.
We started screening everyone entering our medical facilities. These questions only take about 30 seconds to ask and answer, but we are serious about keeping safe those who walk through our doors. Additionally, we’re not allowing visitors under age 15 for any reason.
Screening will be set up at three locations for Veterans and visitors. The two entrances nearest the parking garage are for those “well” patients, or ones there for routine appointments. Those who are sick should use the entrance by the Emergency Department. After 6 p.m. and on weekends, the only open entrance is at the Emergency Department.
If you have an appointment coming up, it’s best to send an email to your provider through MyHealtheVet or call to leave a message with your care team. It’s possible your appointment could be converted to a telehealth appointment, which would mean you wouldn’t even need to drive to the facility. If you’re interested in the telehealth option, please get in touch.
If you’ve been to the main Medical Center this week, you may have noticed the tents set up at the entrances. These will be used to facilitate screening and to keep Veterans, visitors and staff out of the elements. In addition, our disaster emergency medical personnel system (DEMPS) volunteers will be erecting a large tent in front of the medical center. The goal is to drill assembly, test the mechanical components and to ensure readiness, if there is a surge of Veterans who require our care.
Today, we’ve taken additional steps to limit visitors to those in our inpatient wards. No visitors will be allowed after 6 p.m. tonight, and as of Sunday, visitation will be limited to only rare or extenuating cases.
Since our most vulnerable Veterans are in the medical center, non-clinical gatherings at the facility to include luncheons, the women’s art group, etc. have been postponed. This is consistent with what is happening nationally.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to keep our Veteran population and staff safe and healthy.
Phoenix VA Health Care System Executive Leadership Team
