Don’t neglect health needs during crisis
No one could have predicted the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on our communities, particularly in Fairfield County. Nevertheless, we persevered, and adapted the way we went about our daily lives by staying at home when possible, wearing masks and socially distancing in order to flatten the curve and protect one another. We are grateful that the total number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 continues to fall and comes as the state reopens some businesses and activities.
This has been a long road, and we couldn’t have made it without such widespread support from our community. On behalf of my colleagues at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and all the Hartford HealthCare Medial Group practices throughout Fairfield County, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated food, flowers, cards, masks and offered words of encouragement. Your support has meant the world to us and has given us hope. I would also like to recognize all the frontline health care heroes and the first responder partners from EMS, police and fire departments.
As we begin to safely resume activities. St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Hartford HealthCare Medical Group have taken extra precautions so you can be safe and feel confident when you visit your doctor or the hospital.
We have seen and heard about far too many incidents where people have waited until they were critically ill to receive vital medical care. Please don’t ignore your health especially if you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease.
Your health and safety are our No. 1 priority and St. Vincent’s is here to care for you as we have for the past 115 years.
For in-person visits, safety starts even before you enter the doctor’s office. When you call to schedule an appointment, we’ll ask you questions about your health and any symptoms you might be experiencing and get you checked in online. Of course, virtual visits are still and option and can be set up, as well.
We continue to modify our facilities to enhance safety. Greeting rooms will replace waiting rooms, eliminating wait times and observing new distancing guidelines. Forward-facing triage stations, drive-through and mobile testing locations help separate potential COVID patients from other patients in our care.
We’ve increased the cleaning frequency for all high-touch surface areas (counters, door knobs, bedside tables, call bell, bed rails) with EPA-approved disinfectants. We perform a complete cleaning between each patient, and we clean and disinfect all patient care equipment.
Employees and patients are screened and have temperature checks every time they enter our facilities, and they are tested as appropriate. Staff and patients are required to wear masks at all times, and visitation remains very limited.
We’ve made it easy to get tested for the virus. We have two drive-through testing sites nearby: 2979 Main St., Bridgeport (one block north of Medical Center) and 47 Long Lots Road, Westport. Patients scheduled for surgeries or other medical procedures will be tested for COVID-19 three to five days prior to their procedure or hospitalization.
This pandemic has been a harrowing experience for all of us. We know that sometimes people need additional support and assistance. Behavioral health specialists are available day or night by calling the Community Care Center hotline at 1-833-621-0600.
These health hotlines, mobile testing and expanded virtual health offerings are just a few examples of how my colleagues have continually innovated to deliver health care. It gives us hope that lasting change can take root, and a better model for health care will emerge — one that is more convenient, more accessible and more prepared.
Please remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing and reach out to a health-care provider if you do not feel well. We are safe. We are prepared. We are ready to care for you.