Phoenix Hospitals Diverting Patients Due To Influx In Last 2 Days

PHOENIX — At least six Phoenix-area hospitals have been forced to divert patients to other nearby medical centers, the state's largest hospital chain announced Tuesday.

Banner Health, which operates 29 hospitals in six states, said that an influx of patients in the last 48 hours has forced several Phoenix hospitals to activate diversion plans. This means that the hospitals are closed to incoming emergency transports and hospital transfers as they work through a backlog of patients. Diversion does not apply to walk-ins in need of emergency care, according to a news release.

"This is a very fluid situation and status," Banner wrote. "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."

Approximately 10 Banner hospitals were diverting patients Monday.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona reported 5,267 new cases and 78 additional deaths Wednesday. The number of tests returning positive is now up to 12.1 percent and 61 percent of ICU beds are in use by coronavirus patients.

Banner said that diversion plans are not uncommon during the winter, but it is uncommon for so many hospitals to be diverting patients at once. The hospital chain said this is largely due to the longer stays and complex care required for patients who have contracted the virus.

"We would ask that all those in the community do their part to help Arizona hospitals and health systems as we manage this COVID-19 surge," Banner said in a statement. "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."