South Texas Health Systems

SAFE. TRUSTED. READY.

At South Texas Health System, patient safety is always our top priority.

This commitment, which is embodied by our CEOs and everyone throughout our System, is reflected in South Texas Health System Edinburg, Heart and McAllen Hospitals earning Hospital Safety Grade “A” from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog setting the nation’s highest standards for patient safety.

In fact, during these unprecedented times, our commitment has never been more evident. Whether providing advanced, life-saving treatment to an individual suffering from a heart attack or stroke, bringing a beautiful baby into the world, or treating a patient recovering from COVID-19, our administrators and healthcare heroes -- our physicians, nurses and staff at each of our facilities -- are dedicated to delivering trusted, quality patient care every hour, every day.

Having moved forward and resumed surgical and other elective procedures, we recognize that some people may be concerned about going to the hospital or a doctor’s clinic even as they seek to address pressing health issues.* Please know that we have taken extraordinary measures to help ensure the health and safety of patients, physicians, staff and our community. In addition to following the guidelines of the State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local Infection Control and Prevention Team, we have implemented extra precautionary measures and additional safety protocols for our staff, physicians and patients to help ensure a safe and clean environment.

extraordinary measures to help ensure the health and

safety of patients, physicians, staff and our community

These include, but are not limited to:

Universal masking of all persons entering the hospital Isolation of patients with COVID-19 Testing of patients with COVID-19 prior to surgery Provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff Temperature checks Screening questions upon entrance Limited visitation Rigorous cleaning UV light sterilization

Our facilities have also marked 6-foot distances within the common areas and request patients adhere to distancing etiquette. We also encourage patients and others to utilize virtual options such as phone calls, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype and other communications on their mobile device from the comfort of their homes or wherever they may be.

During a pandemic, emergencies do not stop. Remember that seeking critical treatment can be life-saving and that Emergency Departments are safe, isolating any patients suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19. If you or a loved one have suffered a medical injury or are experiencing medical symptoms such as chest pain, numbness, difficulty breathing or mental confusion, call 911 immediately. It could save a life.

As always, we at South Texas Health System are here for you — safe, trusted and ready to care for you and to deliver a superior healthcare experience.

To learn more about our commitment to safety as well as Telehealth options, visit

southtexashealthsystem.com

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*The surgery team at South Texas Health System is working with physician offices to accommodate the scheduling of surgeries and procedures that were postponed due to COVID-19, or that may have recently become a health priority. Patients are encouraged to contact their surgeon or physician for more information.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200698-0453 6/20t