November 20, 2020
Community Update #10
Dear Community Member,
By now, we have all heard the news that COVID-19 infections are rising not only throughout the country, but specifically in our area.
Based on evidence about how this virus spreads in indoor settings, Governor Scott has issued clear guidance for the holiday season: in order to avoid an overwhelming surge in new COVID-19 cases, we must avoid all social gatherings and limit our celebrations only to people who live in our immediate households. These new guidelines mean that in order to keep ourselves and each other safe, we all must cancel any holiday plans that include traveling, visiting, or gathering with others.
We know that while hospitals serve a crucial role in this pandemic, it is the daily choices of community members that determine whether we will be able to contain and control the outcomes for the spread of COVID-19 in the coming months. We at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital are so grateful to all in our community who have made the necessary sacrifices to ensure that we will continue to be able to manage the spread of this virus.
I want to share with you the following updates:
COVID-19 Testing: In an effort to increase access to COVID-19 testing for our community, we are working with the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) to provide evening and weekend COVID-19 testing. Self-administered anterior nares testing is available to all asymptomatic community members. Testing began this past Wednesday, November 18. Testing hours are scheduled for Monday-Friday, 5:00-8:00PM and Saturday and Sundays, 9:00AM-2:00PM and will be performed under the rear canopy of the Richards Building. This site will have the capacity to test four patients in each 20 minute scheduled time slot.
Anyone wishing to be tested must register using the VDH online registration form (https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration). This is a drive-thru service; however, walk-ups are welcome as long as they have registered. You do not need a clinician order to be tested.
Visitor Policy: In accordance with the Governor’s recent Executive Order, the visitor policy at BMH has been updated.
No visitors are allowed. There are limited exceptions for one Essential Support Person (ESP). The clinical care team will determine the need for an ESP and will communicate this to the Screeners at the entrances. Exceptions include:
Inpatient/Acute Care:
- One ESP present through labor, delivery, and post-partum care;
- One ESP for pediatric patients;
- One ESP to accompany a patient undergoing same-day surgery or an ambulatory procedure (check-in and pre-preparation as appropriate);
- One ESP may be permitted in other rare circumstances such as a patient with communication needs (i.e., persons who are deaf or who do not understand/speak English), or a patient with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care; and
- For patients in end of life care, the care team will manage decisions around visitation.
Emergency Department:
- One ESP for pediatric patients;
- One ESP may be permitted in other rare circumstances such as a patient with communication needs (i.e., persons who are deaf or who do not understand/speak English), or a patient with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care; and
- For patients in end of life care, the care team will manage decisions around visitation.
Outpatient, including BMH Medical Group practices (Lab, Radiology, Physical Therapy, Primary Care Practices, Specialty Care Practices):
- One ESP for pediatric patients;
- One ESP may be permitted in other rare circumstances such as a patient with communication needs (i.e., persons who are deaf or who do not understand/speak English), or a patient with a cognitive impairment or disability who requires assistance to access care;
- Patients who would benefit from other forms of support during a visit (such as a family member to listen, participate in the discussion, etc.) are encouraged to include support people via phone or other technology.
As always, please remember to:
- Wear a mask
- Wash and sanitize your hands
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people, even while wearing a mask
- Get your flu shot
- Avoid going out or gathering with others who do not live in your household
Thank you for understanding that by limiting the scope of usual holiday activities, we will ensure that we can all celebrate with our loved ones for years to come.
Wishing you all continued health and safety this holiday season,
