April 15, 2020
Community Update #5
Dear Community Member,
This is Update #5 in my continued effort to keep you informed of BMH actions to deal with the effects and spread of COVID-19. Please be aware of the following:
Minimum Wage: I am pleased to announce, that effective, March 29th, 2020, we have raised the minimum wage for BMH staff to $15/hour. We had planned to implement this increase on October 1
st, 2020 but have advanced this date due to the current financial challenges impacting many of our staff.
Masks-Patient/Visitors: All patients and visitors are required to wear a mask when entering all BMH buildings, including the Main Hospital, Gannett Building, and all practices. Screeners at every entrance have a supply of handmade cloth masks to give to those arriving without one. To encourage community use of masks, they may be kept upon leaving our facilities.
We’re Still Here to Provide Care: While our focus is on COVID-19 preparations, please be assured that we are here to meet all of your healthcare needs. That might look a little different than in the past – visits may be via video or phone instead of in-person – but your healthcare continues to be important to us. We also continue to see patients in the practices when necessary. Some examples of continuous healthcare needs are immunizations and medication refills. Important healthcare is still being provided and needed more than ever during this time. Please call your primary care provider with any questions or concerns.
Telehealth: We are offering telehealth visits for patients who do not need to physically come to the hospital to be seen for their appointment.
Click here
to watch a short video example of a telehealth visit with Dr. McLarney. It’s easy and convenient!
Legislative Appreciation: We received videos this week from Governor Scott as well as one from Senators Tim Ashe, Becca Balint, and Jeanette White thanking the BMH staff for their great work during this challenging time. Take a look!
Dashboard:
As a reminder, you can find information related to COVID testing on our external website. The data is updated each morning on our website -
https://www.bmhvt.org/coronavirus/
.
We are very grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members. From handmade masks to generous donations, your efforts to recognize the work of the BMH staff are greatly appreciated! We continue to receive questions of how our neighbors can help. Please consider using your creative talents or provide funds to BMH. Learn more about ways you can help by visiting our website at
https://www.bmhvt.org/coronavirus/covid-support/
.
Thank you again for keeping our community and hospital safe during this pandemic. Steve
