Banner Thunderbird Medical Center begins visitor restrictions to increase patient safety
GLENDALE, Ariz. (Dec. 29, 2008) – Due to the increase in respiratory viruses in our community Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has instituted visitor restrictions to increase patient safety.
Respiratory viruses are spread from person to person when sick people cough and sneeze and can be dangerous to small children, the elderly and any person with compromised health.
Because young children are much more likely to spread respiratory viruses to others, children under the age of 12 years will not be permitted in the following departments:
- Critical Care Units
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Intensive Care Units
- The Stork's Nest
Siblings visiting the Women and Infant Services Department are allowed but will be screened by nurses for illness before visiting and will be restricted if ill.
Visitors of any age should not visit if they are ill with a fever, cough or upper respiratory infection. And as always, visitors should be encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands when entering and exiting a patient room.
These restrictions are expected to last until spring.
People can get sick by touching a contaminated item such as a phone, counter, door knob or keyboard and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. You can stop the spread of respiratory viruses by covering your cough, washing or sanitizing your hands frequently, and by using disinfectants to clean your work area and home including any frequently touched items.
About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a nonprofit health system with 22 hospitals throughout the West—is a 409-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center. Banner Thunderbird is fully accredited by the Joint Commission.
