Message from Richard E. Yochum, FACHE, President and CEO

To our valued patients and community,

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is prepared to care for you and all your health care needs during this unprecedented time. Healthcare workers are called to be fearless defenders of the community's health and wellness every day. I am incredibly proud of our highly-trained Associates and Physicians who are on the front lines. They are demonstrating compassion, tireless commitment and competence to ensure we are ready to care for you during this pandemic.

Protecting Public Health

Protecting public health and ensuring patient, Associate and Physician safety are our top priorities. We are following the Centers for Disease Control and Los Angeles County Public Health Department guidelines, which are evolving rapidly - and we are keeping apprised and adjusting in real-time. We have set up tents near the parking structure to prepare for a potential surge in patients.

Visitor Restrictions

We have implemented new visitor restrictions to protect all patients in the hospital and our staff. We know that family and friends want to be at the bedside of their loved ones, but we ask for your patience and understanding because these restrictions are vital to save lives. Read current visitor restrictions here.

Postponing Some Elective Procedures and Surgeries

We are postponing some elective surgeries and procedures that can be safely delayed without risk to patients until further notice. Our Physicians are working directly with affected patients. By doing this, we can limit potential exposure for staff and patients, preserve critical resources, such as personal protective equipment, and manage hospital beds that may be needed in the event of a surge of patients. We will continue to provide emergency services for lifesaving and clinically-urgent surgeries and procedures.

What to Do If You Are Exhibiting Symptoms Consistent with Coronavirus

If you are exhibiting symptoms consistent with the coronavirus - fever, cough, shortness of breath, but your symptoms are mild - please stay home and take preventative measures to avoid infecting others. If you have worsening symptoms, call your medical provider. Observe your symptoms carefully, as this is still cold and flu season and the pollen count can be contributing to seasonal allergies.

We urge you to follow hand hygiene and physical distancing recommendations:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds;
• Practice physical distancing - six feet between each person; and
• Stay home, if you can, and especially if you are sick.

You Are Safer at Home

Physical distancing is the best and most effective tool to slow the spread of novel coronavirus. By doing these things to protect yourself and remain healthy, you help reduce the strain on our entire health care system. When you stay home, it helps ensure we have sufficient capacity to care for our most critically ill who require intensive care - heart attack, stroke and trauma patients - in addition to those who may become seriously ill from the coronavirus. Physical distancing saves lives.

Give Blood

If you are looking for ways to help and you are healthy, you can still give blood. We are facing a regional blood supply shortage. We are hosting blood drives at our hospital on April 21 and May 1. In the meantime, you can call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment at a location near you. You can continue to donate blood safely, even while practicing physical distancing.

Stay in Touch

Follow Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit our website periodically www.pvhmc.org. We are sharing regular updates on our social channels and website.

Thank You for Your Support

I am heartened by the messages of support we've received from the community on social media - and the donations of protective and disinfectant supplies. We are grateful for your encouragement and generosity. We will get through this challenging time together.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Yochum, FACHE

President and CEO