FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Terrie Davidson
Community Relations Manager
Wickenburg Community Hospital
wchca@wickhosp.com
WCH Updated Infection Prevention Practices
Wickenburg, AZ, March 16, 2021 – Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics (WCH) updated Infection Prevention Practices. “With more of our population receiving COVID vaccines and a decline in positivity, WCH made a decision to reevaluate our curbside registration process.” Peter Stachowicz, Chief Operations Officer at WCH explains, “That reevaluation showed us that we could safely reduce our curbside process at our primary clinics to an optional one. In addition, temperature checks will no longer be required for patients entering our facilities. Though we should never let our guard down by discontinuing best practices of masks and social distancing, it is encouraging to see some changes as we move toward normalcy.”
Walk in services, organization wide, are still not permitted at this time except for the Emergency Department. Wickenburg Community Hospital Outpatient Services will continue to utilize curbside registration to assist with social distancing mandates which are still in place.
All patients will be required to:
- Have an appointment prior to coming on campus – only the patients and essential healthcare givers will be permitted in the building.
- Maintain 6 feet of social distance
- Wear a face covering (mask) while inside the building.
WCH continues to host vaccine clinics on behalf of Maricopa County Health Department. “The vaccination clinics have been well attended and no doses of vaccine have been wasted! Vaccine clinics are anticipated to be conducted through May.” Karen Smith RN, NMCC, LSSGB Manager, Infection Prevention and Employee Health Chair, Safety Subcommittee at Wickenburg Community Hospital states. “’Maricopa County Health Department selects and issues vaccine to WCH. WCH was issued Moderna and at this time, does not anticipate receiving the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”
Those in groups prioritized for vaccination still need to register for appointments at podvaccine.azdhs.gov or may call 1-844-542-8201.
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