RUTLAND—Effective May 5, 2020, in accordance with Governor Phil Scott’s order, Rutland Regional Medical Center will resume outpatient surgeries and procedures, in-person physician clinic visits, and diagnostic imaging services. These services will come back on-line in a controlled and phased way while following strict protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Vermont Department of Health.
“This is excellent news for our patients who have delayed their care due to Covid-19,” said Claudio Fort, president & CEO at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “While our services may look different, our sole focus continues to be on quality and patient safety.”
Enhanced Safety Protocols that will be put in place include:
All individuals entering Rutland Regional facilities (hospital and clinics) will continue to be screened for Covid-19 symptoms.
All individuals will be required to wear a face mask. Patients may wear their own mask or be provided one supplied by the hospital or clinic.
All care team members will wear surgical masks, as well as other personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary to ensure patient safety.
6-foot distances will be established in public areas like waiting rooms.
Extra cleaning and disinfection of high touch, public surface areas will continue.
Hospital visitor restrictions will remain in place.
Infectious patients will be cared for in specifically designated areas, away from non-infectious patients.
“We don’t want anyone to suffer at home if they need emergency care,” said Dr. Todd Gregory, medical director, Emergency Department at Rutland Regional. “People should feel reassured and safe coming to the ED. We are well-equipped and know how to take care of patients who may have Covid-19 symptoms and we are able to safely isolate them from other patients in the ED.”
Rutland Regional Medical Center is the largest community hospital and the second largest health care facility in Vermont with a medical staff of 256 physicians trained in 37 specialty areas.
“Protecting our patients, caregivers, and visitors is the hospital’s top priority, therefore clinic staff will screen people prior to their visit to assess any recent exposure to a person with Covid-19 or if they have symptoms consistent with Covid-19,” RRMC said in a statement, May 5.
Patients are asked to call their provider first before coming to the office if they have Covid-19 symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, cough, severe runny nose, shortness of breath) or if they have been exposed to people who have these symptoms.
Patients who wish to schedule their elective surgery or outpatient procedures should contact their appropriate provider. For more information visit rrmc.org/patient-visitors/coronavirus.
