Greenwich Hospital restricting visitors due to rising community COVID-19 numbers

GREENWICH, CT (Nov. 25, 2020) – Due to the increasing concern regarding community spread of COVID-19 and the increasing number of positive patients in house, Greenwich Hospital has unfortunately made the decision to restrict all visitors, with some exceptions, at the hospital and its outpatient facilities. 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.

To prevent the spread of the disease and to protect the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff, effective Tuesday, Nov. 24:

• 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.

• We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and/or phone.

• 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; this is without exception.

Again, these rare exceptions will be made by the patient’s clinical team.

Greenwich Hospital continues its efforts to keep patients, visitors and healthcare professionals safe. The hospital remains ready to care for all patients while maintaining all safety precautions.

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).

Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. www.greenwichhospital.org