Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s announced that outpatient surgeries and diagnostic services, such as those for imaging and laboratory work, resumed in full this week with enhanced safety protocols. The shift came after Gov. Phil Scott said that hospitals could resume elective outpatient services, which have been on hold since early March due to Covid-19.
“Our utmost priority is to keep our patients, providers and staff safe. Patients whose procedures were postponed should feel comfortable to come to the hospital to receive care,” SVMC’s Chief Medical Officer Trey Dobson said. “With all of the precautions and protocols instituted, the hospital is likely our community’s safest public space.”
Among the new protocols in place, all patients have been instructed to arrive at the hospital or clinic with their own cloth face covering, which must be worn for the entire duration of their visit. A detailed list of safety protocols and other information can be found online.
— Sarah Asch