By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
Greenwich Hospital announced on Monday that due to the increasing concern regarding community spread of COVID-19 and the increasing number of positive patients in house, all visitors will be restricted, with some exceptions at the hospital and its outpatient facilities. The restrictions will go into effect on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
“We know in-person visits provide support and reassurance and we understand that visitation restrictions can be very unsettling to patients and family members alike. Our teams are committed to maintaining a compassionate connection virtually between patients and their loved ones to reduce this burden,” the hospital said in a release on Monday.
According to Greenwich Hospital:
- There is no visitation to hospitalized patients due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19. Rare exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the patient’s clinical team and we will do our best to accommodate exceptions where possible. Our first priority is to protect the health of our patients, visitors and staff.
- Among the visitor exceptions that can be made will be for maternity patients; children who are patients; patients for whom end-of-life is imminent; NICU patients; and patients with disabilities, such as altered mental status, physical, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, communication barriers, or behavioral concerns.
- All visitors who do enter the hospital will continue to be screened for evidence of illness by the staff at the front desk. Should questions arise, front desk staff will contact clinical leadership for guidance. Visitors who are sick will not be permitted to enter the hospital.
The Hospital also encourages visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and/or phone.
Yale New Haven Health has a call center for patients, staff and community members who have questions about COVID-19. Healthcare professionals from the health system are available to answer specific questions seven days a week from 7 am – 7 pm. The call center can be reached at 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644).
