Hospitals in Arizona have experienced an influx of patients in the last 48 hours which has caused several of them to go on diversion. Currently, 6 Phoenix-area hospitals are on diversion, down from the 10 Phoenix-area hospitals that were actively diverting patients.
In a press release, Banner Health officials say 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. 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.”
Diversions mean that the hospitals are closed to incoming emergency transports and hospital transfers. Officials say they are quickly working to address a backlog of patients. Diversion does not apply to walk-in patients who need emergency care.
Banner Health officials described the situation as “very fluid,” meaning hospitals may go on and off diversion within hours if they are able to free up enough capacity and resources.”
According to Banner Health, “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. Patients who present to emergency rooms will still receive standard care but may experience longer wait times due to hospital diversions.”