Extensive planning and protocols have been put into place across Hartford HealthCare to make sure it is safe for patients to come back for appointments or treatment at any hospital or satellite facility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The system, like others worldwide, shut its doors to most non-emergent care to protect staff, patients and visitors from transmission of the potentially lethal virus. Many services such as appointments and support groups were moved online. Others were temporarily cancelled.

But, as of early July, Hartford HealthCare reopened to continue its legacy of providing the people of Connecticut with outstanding medical care.

To keep you safe when you come into our facilities, we’ve taken the following steps:

Increased the cleaning frequency for all high-touch surface areas (such as counters, doorknobs) with EPA-approved disinfectants. We do a complete cleaning between each patient, and we clean and disinfect all patient care equipment (blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters) after use on each patient.

Started screening early. When you call for an appointment, we’ll ask questions about your health and any symptoms you might be experiencing. We’ll encourage you to use (or create) a MyChartPLUS account so you can complete pre-visit questionnaires at home and safe time waiting during your visit. We’ll remind you to wear a face covering when you get here, or we’ll give you one to wear.

Launched staff screenings. Everyone who works in a Hartford HealthCare facility is screened for symptoms and has a temperature check whenever they come in for work. They are also required to wear masks at work.

Began testing patients before surgery. Anyone scheduled for surgery or a medical procedure will be tested for COVID-19 three to five days beforehand.

Focused intently on hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is essential for our colleagues, patients and visitors. We’ve added more sanitizing stations with effective alcohol-based, germ-killing products.

Ensured safer visits. If you bring a family member or friend to a procedure, you will both go through the screening process, including temperature checks, when you enter the facility. If you both test negative, you can enter wearing masks. Your escort can wait in modified areas.

Continued virtual visits. If you would still rather speak to your provider by phone or have a virtual visit, we can do that. Just let us know.

For information on the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center, click here.

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care provider.

Stay with Hartford HealthCare for everything you need to know about the coronavirus threat. Click here for information updated daily.

Questions? Call our 24-hour hotline (860.972.8100 or, toll-free, 833.621.0600). 

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