This week we have entered a new phase as the number of COVID-19 cases has increased in our city and state. To protect our patients and to protect our providers so they can continue to care for our patients on March 26th we initiated a zero-visitor policy with limited exceptions for end-of-life care and patients who need special support.
This is something I never could have imagined at HCI, where we have always made space for our patients to be with their loved ones. I want you to know that this was an extremely difficult decision but one that we know is critical for the safety of our patients and staff.
This change is requiring tremendous flexibility and sacrifice. It's hard for our patients. It's also difficult for our providers who know how much our patients rely on the presence and comfort of being with their loved ones.
I want you to know that we are committed to doing the right thing at HCI, even if it's difficult. At this time of sacrifice, I am comforted in knowing that our amazing clinical caregivers will step up once again to spend that extra time with our patients, ministering to them, caring for them, and helping them connect remotely to their loved ones— providing our special HCI human touch.
Everyone at HCI is going the extra mile, as we always do. I am grateful and immensely proud of our team. Thank you to all of you for all you do every single day. I'm also grateful to you, our community, for your continuing support and understanding as we take these extraordinary measures to protect our patients and staff and continue to do our life-saving work creating an environment of healing and hope. Thank you.