February 21, 2022
Community Update #23
Dear Community Member,
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce plans to return to normal operations effective Monday, February 28th. Many of our staff members who were temporarily reassigned during January’s Omicron surge have started to return to their home departments and I expect all to be returned by February 28. This will allow BMH to begin providing services and procedures that had been reduced or postponed due to staffing challenges.
Due to the decrease in scheduled testing and vaccine appointments and the need to assign staff back to their home departments, we have notified the state that we are unable to continue to operate the COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinics. The last day for both clinics will be Saturday, February 26, 2022. We have been in discussions with another local organization and expect that community testing and vaccination services will continue in Brattleboro. BMH was a leader in the state and community when it comes to testing and vaccines and I am extremely proud of all of the staff who made it possible to administer 27,868 vaccines and 37,833 tests. A remarkable accomplishment!
We will share additional information as we know it regarding the location and schedule of the community vaccine and testing clinics. The VT Department of Health (VDH) website will have the most up to date information. If walk-in appointments are not available then you must schedule on the VDH website (
www.healthvermont.gov/covid) or by calling 855-722-7878.
On Monday, February 28 the following operations will resume:
- Primary Care practices will return to in-person appointments, including wellness visits.
- Rehabilitation Services (physical therapy and occupational therapy) will return to full in-person appointments.
- Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab will reopen.
- Surgical Services will open all three operating rooms for surgical procedures.
With our plan to return to normal operations on February 28, 2022 we have updated our visitor guidelines:
- Visitor hours are 10 am – 6 pm.
- One adult or one adult visitor and one minor visitor (between 2 and 12 years of age) are permitted for both inpatient and outpatient visits. Anyone between the ages of 12-18 are considered the visitor.
- Visitors must be over two years of age and able to wear a mask properly throughout the visit.
- In the event that you may need an exception, please reach out to your provider in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
- A minor under the age of 12 should not be without an adult escort while in BMH facility.
BMH has a good supply of monoclonal antibody treatments available. If you test positive for Covid-19 and have one or more health conditions that might increase your risk of becoming very sick, please consult with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for one of the treatment options. Treatments must be started in the first few days of illness so do not delay. BMH has partnered with Rescue, Inc. to administer these monoclonal antibody treatments.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during the recent Omicron surge. The past two months have required our hospital and our community to navigate through a variety of difficult challenges. We are extremely happy to announce a return to full capacity and the resumption of a wide range of patient care services.
Be well, Steve
