We have seen a steady climb of COVID-19 cases in Arizona over the last two weeks. This trend is concerning to us, and also correlates with a rise in cases that we are seeing in our hospital ICUs. (1/3)
Our ICUs are very busy caring for the sickest of the sick who are battling COVID-19. Since May 15, ventilated COVID-19 patients have quadrupled. Banner Health also recently reached capacity for patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. (2/3)
Mitigation measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are important as we continue our vaccination efforts. To date, less than 20% of Arizonans are fully vaccinated against the virus. This number needs to be much higher before we ease mitigation measures like masking. (1/5)
Arizona's daily
#COVID19
case increase as of June 16, 2020 was 2,392, bringing our total positive cases to 39,097. Today, we're reporting an additional 25 deaths, bringing our total number of COVID-19 deaths to 1,219.
We are strongly opposed to any decision or consideration to relax existing mask mandates. Evidence shows the mandates are working to slow the spread of COVID-19. Rolling back mask and distancing mandates now will reverse gains in slowing the spread. (1/8)
Are you between 20 and 44 years old? 🙋♀️
42% of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arizona were people between the ages of 20 and 44.
Stay home.
Wear a mask.
Practice social distancing.
Wash your hands.
We’d also ask that businesses do the right thing by continuing to implement and enforce masking requirements within their establishments to protect their employees and patrons. (5/5)
Masks play a vital role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is still important to wear masks in public while our vaccination rate is low in order to protect those who are at high risk and also those who have not had the opportunity to get their vaccine, yet. (2/5)
We all want to return to a more normal way of living, and the best way for us to do this is for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine so that we have a high level of herd immunity in Arizona. (3/5)
Thank you to the
@Suns
and Go for visiting with pediatric patients at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. One of Go's biggest fans, Charlotte, had been asking for him to come back and the Child Life team arranged for a surprise visit!
Banner has worked for many months to expand its capacity and staffing in order to meet the increased demand for care brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(1/12)
Do not gather. Shrink your circle to include only those you live with. Wear a mask at all times when around those who are not part of your circle. We need every Arizonan to help us in this fight against COVID-19.
(11/12)
For any questioning what “quadrupled” refers to, specifically:
• As of 5/15, total number of patients vented - 27
• As of 6/8, total number of patients vented - 117
URGENT: Another record day for
#COVID19
with 2,519 new positive cases in Arizona. Everyone must wear a mask and maintain physical distancing. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread. Please do your part.
#MaskUpArizona
Declining COVID-19 infection rates are the result of swift/diligent action by our city + county leaders to mandate masking, social distancing & other protective measures. Rolling those back now is not prudent. Our city leaders must hold strong and retain the mask mandates. (2/8)
Do not leave your home if you are ill except to receive medical care. Wear a mask when you’re in public near others. Stay six feet away from others. Wash your hands frequently. Wipe down surfaces that may be infected. Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. (6/6)
We know—and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms—wearing a mask reduces the spread of infection. Retaining the mask mandates is the right thing to do. (8/8 )
With flu season upon us, masking + getting a flu shot are the best one-two punch to stay healthy and stop the spread. The virus is still very prevalent in our community and signs point to another surge later this year, according to patterns in other parts of the world. (7/8)
Banner Health hospitals in metro Phoenix have cared for nearly 50 percent of all the state's COVID-19 patients. We are finally seeing encouraging signs of fewer COVID hospitalizations. (5/8)
However, there is still worrisome community spread of the virus, and the younger age range of those infected is concerning. Our experts understand that the community is experiencing "COVID fatigue," but COVID-19 is still strong and in our midst. (6/8)
This means that the hospitals are closed to incoming emergency transports and hospital transfers while they quickly work to address a backlog of patients. Diversion does not apply to walk-in patients who need emergency care. This is a very fluid situation and status.
(4/12)
Yesterday (12/28/20), up to 10 Phoenix-area hospitals were actively diverting patients at the same time; this morning (12/29/20), 6 Phoenix-area hospitals are currently on diversion.
(3/12)
Our health care heroes on the front lines and all those supporting their efforts have been lifted up during the toughest times thanks to our communities doing the right thing to slow the spread. (3/8)
Thank you to
@Suns
players Bismack Biyombo and Ish Wainright for visiting patients at Banner Children’s at Desert! The guys and Go spent time sharing words of encouragement and chatting with families in the pediatric ICU, pediatric oncology and general pediatrics units.
In addition, if you are experiencing a life-threatening medical event, please do not delay care. It is important that everyone experiencing a medical event be evaluated by a health care professional who will determine what level of care is needed.
(12/12)
For the past two months, COVID-19 cases, positivity rate, hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths have been on the rise in Arizona. Hospitals in Arizona have experienced an influx of patients in the last 48 hours which has caused several of them to go on diversion.
(2/12)
It is not uncommon for hospitals to go on diversion during the winter when volume is higher, but it is unusual for so many to be on diversion at the same time—with the length of stay and complexity of care for COVID-19 patients adding to the challenge that this presents.
(6/12)
Postponing elective, medically necessary procedures will not have a positive impact on the health of our community. Speak with your doctor about your risks and benefits of surgery before delaying care. (4/6)
We will continue to provide the best possible care for everyone who comes through our doors and would like to ask the community to exercise behaviors that are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We cannot fight this pandemic alone. We need you. (5/6)
Diversion only applies to incoming transfers. Walk-in patients will still be seen and cared for as quickly as possible; they will not be turned away. In addition, we have not yet activated the triage addendum to Arizona’s Crisis Standards of Care plan.
(8/12)
We care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we owe it to them to take every measure possible to ensure the safest care environment.
via
@azcentral
(2/2)
We, Arizona's largest health system, are adding nearly 1,000 out-of-state nurses + respiratory therapists to our workforce to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents about 2X the amount of external labor that we add in AZ during a busy flu season.
Thank you to all the healthcare heroes in Banner communities and beyond for your continued fight against COVID-19. Your dedication and compassion do not go unnoticed.
Elective surgeries include things like a mastectomy for breast cancer, gallbladder removal for stones and a hip replacement for pain. If significantly postponed, they might become emergency surgeries. Emergency surgeries can have a longer recovery and worse outcomes. (3/6)
As the largest employer & health care provider in AZ, we support
@dougducey
,
@AZSenateGOP
&
@AZHouseGOP
's 20x2020 teacher salary plan because we believe in supporting and investing in the teachers that will shape the minds of the next generation of health care workers.
Hospitals may go on and off diversion within hours if they are able to free up enough capacity and resources within that time, while others may remain on diversion for longer.
(5/12)
If you are exposed to tear gas or pepper spray, follow these safety tips and call 1-800-222-1222 for further guidance.
If participating in protests: hydrate, bring extra water and follow CDC guidelines to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Elective surgeries are planned at least 24 hours into the future. They are medically necessary procedures done in a safe, controlled, non-emergency setting. Most all elective surgeries do not require ICU stays and many can be performed outpatient with no hospitalization. (2/6)
This is a situation that must be quickly and carefully addressed through balancing of patients and resources between hospitals, increasing staffing, pausing elective procedures and expediting discharges for those who no longer need hospital care.
(7/12)
The
@CDCgov
expects that
#flu
viruses and the virus that causes
#COVID19
will both be spreading this fall and winter. Learn how to help better recognize the symptoms of both: .
Here’s what you need to know about
#ECMO
and those who operate the machines.
ECMO is an external lung machine that's used if a patient's lungs get so damaged that they don't work, even with the assistance of a ventilator.
(1/3)
Congratulations to Banner – University Medical Center Tucson for achieving Magnet Recognition®! Magnet is awarded to select organizations who achieve the highest levels of safety, quality, and satisfaction among nurses and patients alike.
Devin Booker, from the
@Suns
, is making a big impact on the Valley - so much so that a family named their newborn son after him!
Devin Gray Lugo was born on June 27 to parents Griselda and Samuel, who are both lifelong Phoenix Suns fans.
( via
@abc15
)
Yesterday, on ‘Twosday’ 2/22/22, Brooke and Jaren welcomed twins at Banner Desert Medical Center! Each baby born yesterday at Banner Desert received these commemorative onesies. Congratulations Mom and Dad!
Why wear a mask?
* Be fancy or fun! You can celebrate Halloween in July.
* You save $ on makeup.
* You can make faces at your family without them knowing.
* You can eat lots of garlic.
* It shows everyone how caring you are.
* It protects others. It protects you.
#MaskUpAZ
Banner patients being hospitalized for COVID-19 are younger than they were during prior surges, and 94% of those patients are unvaccinated. The best thing you can do for yourself and for your loved ones is to get vaccinated!
For those who are asking, why not just get more
#ECMO
machines? Without properly trained operators, increases in available equipment are insufficient. (3/3)
Pediatric patients at Banner - Thunderbird Medical Center were treated to a special surprise from the
@Dbacks
. Outfielder Corbin Carroll and pitcher Drey Jameson took pictures with patients and gifted them some autographed team merchandise. Thank you for the visit!
A team of 80+ nurses and physicians at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is using ECMO, an organ bypass machine, to oxygenate blood in patients with COVID-19 who cannot take in sufficient oxygen on their own or with the assistance of a ventilator.
Heart disease in women and its risk factors are often undertreated, under recognized and underdiagnosed. Our team at Banner Desert went Red today to raise awareness!
#GoRedforWomen
#GoRed
#WearRedDay
#HeartMonth
The newest mutation of COVID-19, the Delta variant, has increased concern around the world. Here are some myths addressed.
#Delta
#COVID19
#DeltaVariant
The Star Wars crew surprised 12-year-old Kevin Garcia, an oncology patient at Banner Children's at Thunderbird, for his birthday! This is the first visit they've been able to make since the start of the pandemic, so it was exciting for everyone involved.
#StarWars
Congratulations to our CEO Peter Fine for being named one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People of 2021! We are grateful to have such a dedicated and inspiring leader recognized for his accomplishments.
#MHMostInfluential
Banner Health leaders are wearing red today to raise awareness of heart disease in women - the leading cause of death of women in the United States.
#GoRed
#WearRedDay
Banner Gateway Medical Center held a ribbon cutting today for its new, five-story patient tower and additional areas, doubling the size of the hospital! The $243-million project is expected to add more than 600 new jobs.
For those who are asking, why not just get more
#ECMO
machines? Without properly trained operators, increases in available equipment are insufficient. (3/3)
Dr. Marjorie Bessel, MD, chief clinical officer, Banner Health was recognized as one of Arizona's Most Influential Women of 2020 by
@AZBigMedia
.
Congratulations Dr. Bessel!
Thank you to the
@Suns
for hosting some of our heart transplant patients from our program at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (BUMCP) and the team members who support their treatment!
With an increasing need for behavioral health care in the Valley and around the country, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center recently completed a new 12-bed inpatient pediatric behavioral health unit for patients ages 5-12. (Thread)
Ivermectin is not an FDA-approved treatment for COVID. Clinical trials are ongoing to assess ivermectin, but no clear findings have been released that confirm this drug as an effective form of COVID treatment. Banner providers will not prescribe it.
We will continue to provide the best possible care for everyone who comes through our doors and would like to ask the community to exercise behaviors that are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Save this graphic so you know the difference between side effects you might feel after getting vaccinated and when you should be tested for a COVID infection. The vaccine cannot infect you with COVID, but it is possible to become infected before or between the 2 vaccine doses.
As part of her lung cancer treatment and recovery plan, Banner surgery and surgical oncology chief, Dr. Taylor Riall, completed a 5k run. Dr. Riall is 2 months out of lung surgery and finished 2nd in her age group.
Read her story from
@kgun9
, .
This week, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center hosted a memorial ribbon service to remember those we've lost, celebrate those who have recovered and recognize the hard work of each and every team member who worked through the pandemic. Together, we move forward.
@NicoleSGrigg
@NicoleSGrigg
To clarify, the adult overflow units at Cardon Children’s are for non-COVID-19 patients only. COVID-19 patients will remain in the respiratory cohort units at Banner Desert.
Santa Claus hitched a ride on the BannerAir helicopter recently to visit kids at Banner Children’s at Desert. He brought mini plush helicopters and candy canes to pass out while he listened to the kids share their Christmas wish lists!
THREAD: The United States is experiencing uncontrollable spread of COVID-19, and social gatherings are an important contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
(1/12)