July 2, 2020
Community Update #9
Dear Community Member,
On March 16, 2020 I sent my first COVID-19 communication to the community letting you know about the precautions your local hospital was taking to prepare for the pandemic. Since that time, I have sent regular updates with our progress and new developments. This update marks my last regular COVID-19 update as we resume our new “normal” operations.
As I mentioned in my update on May 27, we began reintroducing elective surgeries, procedures, and tests that were temporarily delayed due to COVID-19 on May 18. Beginning June 1, our outpatient practices opened up, and radiology, physical therapy, and wound care services resumed. And, on June 8 we were able to resume inpatient surgeries. We continue to take every precaution to ensure all services are restarted responsibly and in accordance to state and federal guidelines, and our priority remains to protect the well-being of our patients and staff members. All of the communications that I sent can be found
here
.
I want to share with you the following updates:
Ronald Read Pavilion/Modernization Project:
Although our power plant and boiler room upgrades were completed, the new Ron Read Pavilion project-replacement ORs and renovated surgical support areas as well as new medical office and cardiac rehab space- was halted when preparations for the pandemic began. I am now happy to now report that our Board of Directors recently approved construction to commence Monday, September 7
th
. We are excited that this project will help energize our local economy, keep BMH facilities up to date to allow us to continue to provide excellent care for our patients and assist with our ongoing staff and clinician recruitment efforts.
Pre-Op Testing:
All patients scheduled for surgery, elective and inpatient, are required to get a COVID-19 test three (3) days prior to surgery. Patients will be notified prior to their surgery date and given detailed instruction about when and where to go for testing.
Cardiac Rehab
:
We welcomed back patients to our Cardiac Rehab department on Monday June 15
th
. We have made necessary changes, including a significant reduction in the number of pieces of equipment in the gym to ensure physical distancing, cleaning protocols, and updates to the patient class schedule. The Cardio-Pulmonary and Wellness Plus programs are still currently on hold.
Entrances:
The Richards Building Front Entrance is now open to patients and staff. Please note, only the front entrance is open. Due to pre-surgery testing the back entrance remains closed. The Front Entrance is open 6:30am-6:00pm Monday-Friday and 8:00am-12:00noon on Saturdays. Similar to the other open entrances, you will need to be screened upon entering the building. We ask that you arrive with a mask (we will provide a mask, if needed), use the hand sanitizer, answer a few questions, and have your temperature taken prior to going to your appointment.
Testing Site:
Beginning July 6th, all COVID-19 testing will take place under the awning at the back of the Richards Building. This is drive through testing so patients will not need to exit their car.
All testing is by appointment only and patients must have an order from a clinician to have a test completed.
The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday for all patients and patients scheduled for surgery will have an additional opportunity to be tested on Saturdays. Testers wear full personal protective equipment to protect you and them.
If you have a question about receiving a COVID-19 test, please reach out to your primary care clinician. If you do not have a primary care clinician, please call our Centralized Scheduling Department for assessment and review of if a COIVD-19 test is right for you. Centralized Scheduling can be reached at 802-251-8777.
Results will be returned, based on your symptoms and demographics. The time it takes for your test to be processed and the results returned to the ordering clinician depends on guidelines determined by the State of Vermont.
Lastly, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) will be setting up pop up testing at the VDH District Office in Brattleboro every Wednesday for the foreseeable future. This is a great place to receive a COVID-19 test if you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, but you are concerned about a potential exposure. You can learn more and schedule an appointment by clicking this link:
https://humanresources.vermont.gov/popups
.
Visitor Policy:
Following the Governor’s June 17
th
Amended and Restated Executive Order 01-20: Declaration of State of Emergency, the VT Agency of Human Services provided revised guidance for visitation policies at all hospitals. In accordance with this guidance, we have updated our Visitor Policy.
Effective, July 1, 2020, the following guidelines are in place:
Inpatient and Emergency Department patients:
- One visitor at a time is allowed with the following exceptions:
o
Two visitors for pediatric patients
o
One additional support person if the patient requires assistance to access
care, or in providing detailed medical history
o
The number of visitors for end of life patients will be managed by the
patient’s care team. One additional support person is also allowed when
the patient is on comfort measures. No more than 2 visitors in the room at
the same time at end of life.
o
Dual occupancy rooms: Curtains should remained pulled for privacy and
social distancing purposes
Outpatient Clinics:
- No patients are permitted with the following exceptions:
o
A visitor can accompany the patient if the patient requires support and
assistance to access their appointment, or assistance in providing detailed
medical history
o
Two parents, or one parent and a visitor, may accompany pediatric
patients
o
For patients who would benefit from other forms of support during a visit
(such as a family member to listen, participate in the discussion, etc.), every
effort should be made to support patient and family interaction by deploying
the use of technology
We continue to screen all patients, visitors, and employees who enters the building. You will be asked to sanitize your hands when entering and exiting the facility, and you will be asked to follow the following protocol:
- The reason for your visit
- Screened by a hospital screener
- After you are screened, you will be provided a visitor sticker which will include name, date, and destination.
- Required to sign into a visitors log book with name, destination and phone number.
In closing, I want to thank you for being responsible and diligent during this unprecedented time. The number of positive COVID-19 cases remains low in VT and our community and that is due to the remarkable efforts by all of you.
Even so, the virus still exists and so it is critical that we maintain the good habits and continue to practice the Department of Health’s four rules of thumb to protect ourselves and prevent spread of the virus:
wear face coverings, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash hands frequently, and stay home when sick
.
Enjoy a happy and safe Fourth of July!
