COVID-19 (Coronavirus): What to Expect at Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena

The health and safety of our patients, families and staff is our highest priority at Shriners for Children Medical Center— Pasadena. As everyone across the world continues to navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19, Shriners for Children Medical Center is committed to supporting our patients by continuing to provide access to high-quality pediatric specialty care as much as we possibly can throughout the course of this pandemic.

The Shriners for Children Medical Center leadership team is meeting continuously to assess and respond appropriately to the crisis as it evolves. We will adjust our operations to maintain patient care continuity and to support the safety and health of those impacted. Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena is operating in accordance with guidance from local government and public health authorities across the globe. Of course, the health and welfare of both our employees and our patients remains a priority.

As of June 15, 2020, Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena is welcoming all patients and families for appointments. This comes after the center adopted several measures, including operating at a reduced capacity in response to the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19) to protect the health of patients, families and employees.

We ask that you limit the amount of family members that may accompany patients to their appointments. Only one adult parent or guardian may accompany the patient. Other family members will not be able to enter the medical center.

Other safety measures patients and families can expect to see during their next appointment include:

Wellness Screenings

All visitors who enter the building for services must be well. Before proceeding to check in, our medical staff members are conducting wellness screenings on the first floor, near the entrance.

All visitors are screened for the following before entering the building:

• Do you or anyone in your household have any of the following symptoms?
  • Sore throat.
  • Fever (clinical staff will be checking temperatures).
  • Cough.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chills.
  • Repeated shaking.
  • Muscle aches or pain.
  • Headaches.
  • New loss of taste or smell.
  • Any other illness symptoms.
• Have you had recent close contact with a person confirmed positive for COVID-19, a person with pending COVID-19 test results or a person currently in self-quarantine?
• Have you traveled outside of California in the last 14 days?

As a reminder, Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena does not treat COVID-19. If your child is experiencing possible coronavirus symptoms, please contact your pediatrician for instructions.

Check-In Process

Once visitors pass through the wellness screening and receive a sticker with the day’s date, they may proceed to patient check in. We have arranged the waiting room and lobby to allow for social distancing.

Additionally, to reduce the amount of people in the hospital at one time, we have limited the amount of patient visits per doctor.

Masking and Social Distancing

Universal masking in our hospital is now mandatory. All staff, patients and accompanying adult must wear a mask, regardless of symptoms, upon arrival. Exceptions may be made for infants and toddlers, as tolerated. If anyone arrives without a mask, one will be provided.

Everyone is asked to continue practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet as the situation allows. Hand-washing and hand hygiene is highly encouraged. Hand sanitizing stations are readily available throughout the hospital.

Fast Track Video Visits

Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena is now offering Fast Track Video Visits for new and existing patients. The newly available telehealth platform throughout Shriners Hospitals for Children is one of numerous ways the health care system is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Video visits help to comply with public health and government recommendations, and decrease potential risk of COVID-19 exposure. Read more about Fast Track Video Visits.

Here for You

Now more than ever, we are committed to our mission to provide care regardless of families’ ability to pay. Feel free to ask for information anytime during your visit.

Please check back regularly for updates to policies and procedures. If you have any questions about an upcoming appointment, or are feeling ill and are unsure if you should keep your appointment, call 626-389-9300.

COVID-19 has changed how we do some things. But we are still here, providing the most amazing care anywhere. We are inspired by the resilience our patients and families display, and we continue to pursue our mission of improving the lives of children.

At Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena, it is a privilege for us to provide care for children and we want you to know, now and always, we are here for you.