Salinas Valley Health Responds to COVID 19 with New Measures Protecting Patients, Visitors & Staff

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

Salinas Valley Health (Salinas Valley Health) is putting new policies into place during the active COVID 19 season.

As part of the Healthcare System response to preventing the spread of COVID 19, Salinas Valley Health is screening every patient and visitor coming into the Hospital and restricting visitation to help protect patients, visitors and staff. Below are some of the immediate changes.

COVID 19 Visitation Policy:

• All patients and visitors will be screened prior to entering the Hospital front entrance and Hospital Emergency Room
• No visitors with any flu like symptoms will be allowed into the facility
• Patients with symptoms consistent with COVID 19 or those who have a travel or contact history representing a risk of COVID 19, will be processed through our triage/and or isolation procedures

Visitation Limitations:

• Only visitors age 16 and older
• One visitor per patient during patient length of stay

Exceptions:

• Exceptions will be considered for critically ill and end-of-life patients
• OB patients may have one support person

Additional Notes:

·Specific departments and areas of Salinas Valley Health might have additional restrictions in place

·Clinical staff has the right to implement additional considerations on a case by case basis

Salinas Valley Health believes family and friends play an important role in the healing and recovery process and recommends patients use FaceTime, Skype or the in-room phone to connect and stay updated with loved ones during their hospital stay.

In addition to screening patients, visitors and staff, Salinas Valley Health has taken additional measures including:

• Canceled support groups, health promotion classes and events
• Canceled non-essential staff meetings
• Utilizing audio and video conferencing when possible
• Providing work from home options for appropriate positions
• Change food policy and procedures in cafeteria, including the elimination of salad bar and self-serve food options

Patients and visitors can find updated information about Salinas Valley Health COVID 19 response at svmh.com.