Bassett Healthcare has released an update on how they are currently serving the healthcare needs of the community throughout the area. See the new information below...

For the health and safety of our patients, employees, and the communities that rely on us for their medical care, Bassett Healthcare Network has implemented new visitation restrictions across all network facilities in the eight-county region we serve.

Outpatient Services:
Effective immediately, access to clinic buildings and outpatient service areas at all Bassett Healthcare Network facilities will be limited to only those patients with scheduled appointments or required business (e.g. prescription pick up). All others will be asked to wait outside until the patient’s visit is complete. Bassett Healthcare Network will be happy to collect a phone number and provide notification when patients are finished with appointments. FoxCare Fitness in Oneonta is also closed until further notice.

Exceptions:
·        Minors under the age of 18 may have one caregiver, parent, or guardian.
·        Patients with special needs may be accompanied by one caregiver.
·        Patients who require assistance arriving to and from appointments safely may have someone accompany the patient to the appropriate waiting area, but will then be asked and strongly encouraged to wait outside until the patient’s visit is complete.

Ongoing Resources:

·         A central phone number – 607-547-5555 – is in place. Bassett patients who are concerned they may have symptoms of upper respiratory illness should call this number.
·         All patients determined to need an in-person visit will be given an appointment and directed to next steps.
·         Telemedicine capabilities are being expanded to be able to screen more patients remotely, thereby avoiding unnecessary travel and the possible exposure of others to upper respiratory illness.
·         Visitation has been suspended to all inpatient units at the five hospitals across the network and the network’s long-term care facilities. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. Other restrictions are also in place for the network’s emergency departments and other clinical areas. Visit bassett.org or call ahead before traveling.
·         A coronavirus resource page is available on the network’s public-facing website, www.bassett.org/covid-19.

Hospital/Long-Term Care Visitor Restrictions     
With the new coronavirus now present in the region, Bassett Healthcare Network continues to suspend visitation to all inpatient units at the five hospitals in its network: Little Falls Hospital, Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta, O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, and Cobleskill Regional Hospital. Extenuating circumstances, such as critical care patients, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Similar visitor restrictions have also been put in place for the network’s long-term care facilities, Valley Health Services, Valley Residential Services, and A.O. Fox Nursing Home. In addition, visitor restrictions are in place for the network’s emergency departments and outpatient surgery sites. The updated visitor restrictions have been posted to the network’s website, www.bassett.org.

Symptoms
COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms similar to influenza, such as:
·       Fever
·       Cough
·       Trouble breathing

Take Steps to Help Prevent the Spread
·       Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
·       Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
·       Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
·       Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
·       It is best to cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm; avoid using your hands. If you do cough or sneeze into your hand, wash your hands immediately.
·       Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

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