Your Health Is Our Top Priority
Screening for Illness
- Patients with inpatient surgeries or procedures undergo thorough testing prior to their arrival. Anyone exhibiting symptoms will be triaged for care or asked to return home.
- Patients and companions entering Bethany Women’s Hospital outpatient departments and clinics will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the time of scheduling and when they arrive at their clinical destination.
- Inpatient visitors will be screened for symptoms and have their temperature taken at the hospital entrance.
Physical Distancing
Everyone must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from each other unless they are giving or receiving direct patient care. This policy is supported with:
- Modified seating plans in waiting areas, cafeterias and common spaces.
- The placement of signs in waiting areas to indicate appropriate spacing.
- Restrictions on elevator use. Where elevators are required, use is limited to no more than two persons at a time. Please allow additional time to get to your destination.
Universal Masking
With the exception of inpatients who are in their hospital rooms, everyone is required to wear a mask while in our facilities. If you are unable to wear a mask due to a disability or medical condition, please contact your physician office to schedule a telehealth visit or to discuss a reasonable accommodation. If you arrive wearing your own mask, we will ask you to replace or cover it with a mask provided by Bethany hospital. We will also ask you to remove any gloves you are wearing.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer dispensers are available throughout our facilities.
Tips for Patients Arriving for Appointments
As patients return to BWH for important medical appointments and procedures, we will continue to maintain a no-visitor policy with limited exceptions. We understand that you may feel uncertain about not having a companion with you for a medical visit. The following tips may help ease your concerns.
- Let your caregiver know if you are feeling uneasy or stressed. This is a common response to any medical appointment, and discussing these emotions can be helpful.
- Familiarize yourself with your destination before arriving at the BWH building. Campus maps are available on our website by searching for the name of the location. You can also call ahead for specific directions. Once on-site, BWH employees will gladly provide assistance in locating a particular building or office.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charger along if you anticipate spending several hours in our facility.
- Bring a list of questions for your provider. If you have a companion who typically joins you for your appointments, you can work together to make this list before you leave home.
- If you have a companion that typically joins you during your medical visits and you would like them to participate remotely via telephone, please discuss that with your provider.
- Be prepared to take notes during your appointment and remember to read any notes you receive at discharge. These notes may contain detailed information about treatment recommendations and future appointments.
- If you are expecting to have a longer procedure or infusion, consider downloading music, a television show, a podcast or game apps, or bring a magazine/book or other distraction to pass the time.
- If you will need an interpreter during your appointment or procedure, notify your provider’s office ahead of time.
- After your appointment, use the hand sanitizer available on-site. When you get home, wash your hands. Wipe down your phone, tablet and/or earpieces.
