PTOT COVID-19 Information

Here and Safe for You

In these challenging times, we are still safely serving the children of Alabama, just like we have since 1911. Some of the changes we've made that you will see at your next visit include reconfigured waiting areas to ensure social distancing, additional cleaning of shared surfaces and equipment, changes in visitation procedures and guests and staff wearing masks and being screened when entering our facilities. We are also offering telemedicine visits when possible to limit contact. To learn more about the hospital's response to COVID-19, please visit childrensal.org/coronavirus.

Screening Process 

Each patient’s caregiver will receive a phone call within 24-48 hours of his/her on-site visit to screen for symptoms. Please be prepared to report if the patient, or anyone who might be accompanying them, has had the following symptoms in the last 48 hours:

• Fever greater than or equal to 100.4
• Subjective fever (feel warm to touch)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose or nasal congestion

And/or

• If the patient and anyone accompanying them has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 virus.

A text message will also be sent to all scheduled patients one day prior to the appointment date with the following message:

• This is Children’s of Alabama, Your child (First Name Only) has an appointment tomorrow (date, time and location)? Please be aware you can have one caregiver (no siblings or visitors).  Please arrive wearing a mask. Please visit https://www.childrensal.org/coronavirus.  for more information regarding your visit.

Upon entrance into any 1 of our facilities, a patient and his/her caregiver will be screened for signs of illness and fever.

• A sticker will be provided to the patient and his/her caregiver to show that the screening process has been provided.
• All visitors to any of Children’s of Alabama facilities are highly encouraged to wear a mask.

Visitation Policy 

Children’s PT & OT Department is enforcing the following visitation policy:

• ALL VISITORS (OVER 2 YEARS OF AGE) AND STAFF MUST ARRIVE ON THE HOSPITAL CAMPUS WEARING A MASK.
   
• INPATIENTS & SCHEDULED SURGERY PATIENTS:
  • Visitors are limited to two (2) parents/caregivers.
  • No other visitors, including siblings, will be allowed.
  • Do not visit if you have flu-like symptoms and/or cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath.
     
• OUTPATIENT CLINIC VISITS:
  • Visitors are limited to two (2) parents/caregivers.
  • No other visitors, including siblings, will be allowed.
  • If your child is ill, please call the clinic before arrival for additional instructions.
  • If you have flu-like symptoms and/or cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath, do not enter our facility.
     
• EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS:
  • Visitors are limited to two (2) parent/caregiver (effective 11/01/2021).
  • No other visitors, including siblings, will be allowed.
  • Children’s Emergency Department is not a public COVID testing site.

• Therapists will be wearing a mask when treating the child

Social Distancing 

The PT & OT department has implemented the following social distancing guidelines and practices:

• Only 1 caregiver will be allowed into waiting and treatment areas.
• Staff will ensure that 6’ of social distancing is kept between staff, patients and caregivers
• Upon arrival, please park and remain in the vehicle until our staff is ready to see you.
• Call the PT & OT front desk when on-site or come to the door and notify the front desk staff
• When told to do so, please come to front desk to check-in
• You will be asked to sit in a certain “zone” in the waiting room which has seating that has been appropriately arranged to maintain social distancing.
• Your therapist will come to retrieve you as quickly as possible.
• All seating in the waiting room will be wiped down as soon as you are escorted to the treatment areas

Infection Control 

The following infection control practices have been implemented:

• All staff, patients and caregivers should wear a mask when in public and treatment areas and when around others.
• No patient or caregiver should report to your appointment if you are sick or displaying signs of COVID-19
• Every room and all equipment utilized will be cleaned immediately after patient treatment.
• Frequent cleaning of door handles, phones, computers, light switches, cabinet handles, etc. will take place throughout our facilities.
• Waiting area will be cleaned throughout the day and seats wiped after each patient/caregiver occupation.
• Public restrooms will be wiped down regularly through the day.
• Water fountains are currently not allowed for public usage.