With the ongoing concern pertaining to the coronavirus, I want to remind everyone that this, once again, is a time for collaboration and kindness. Bristol Health continues to do the utmost to protect the health and safety of our patients, staff and community during this public health crisis. Thank you to all our patients and families for their continued support and understanding during this time.
PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING COVID-19 UPDATE:
Specimen Collection Stations
- Approximately 48 specimens were collected on Thursday, March 19 and more than 90 were collected on Wednesday. Damp/cold weather is assumed to be the cause of the reduced number of collections on Thursday
- Since last Friday, more than 250 specimens have been collected
- All specimens are now being sent to a Quest laboratory in Virginia. The specimens are picked up by a Quest courier and brought directly to the airport. Bristol Health already has a contract with Quest and the average turnaround time for the result is seven days
- Specimens that are collected from those who are verified as health care workers are sent directly to the State of Connecticut laboratory which results in a more rapid return of the result
- We received a large number of specimen collection kits that should allow for specimen collections through the weekend and early next week
Personal Protection Equipment
- Bristol Hospital has received a large shipment of N95 masks as well as generous donations of masks from numerous community partners. All PPE donations are strictly vetted and examined prior to being delivered in the storeroom. Surgical masks should only be used when caring for patients with suspected COVID-19. N95s should only be used when engaging in procedures that are droplet producing
Compassionate No Visitor Policy
- Since inception Tuesday night, the Compassionate No Visitor Policy is proceeding well with cooperation from all those entering the main hospital lobby
- Updated hours for the main lobby are:
- Monday – Friday: 8 am – 6 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 3 pm
- Visitors who arrive to make bill payments or obtain medical records are not allowed to travel to Level E. Instead they are presented with a business card that provides information on either calling or submitting their payment/request online
COVID-19 Infoline
- Bristol Health’s COVID-19 info line — which is 860.261.6855 — has received more than 1,100 calls since it was launched last Friday
Hours of Operations and Closings
- The Bernie Guida Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center on Level C is closed until further notice
- The Bristol Health Counseling Center is open from 8 am – 5 pm. No evening hours