Yale New Haven Health, the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut, is recognized for advanced clinical care. We are also committed to keeping you safe and comfortable when you come to us for care – in our hospitals, at our ambulatory facilities and in our physician offices.
As coronavirus begins stabilizing in the community, we are starting to reschedule appointments, surgeries and procedures that may have been postponed. Don’t delay needed care, which can lead to complications and advanced stages of disease.
Here are some of the ways we are ensuring your safety so you can receive the care you need.
Screening
At our hospitals, all patients and visitors are required to wear masks. (We ask that people bring their own if possible.) We ask about symptoms and check their temperatures at the door. Our employees are required to check their temperature and check for symptoms twice each day. If they have any symptoms of COVID-19, they are not allowed to report to work.
Testing
Patients: Every patient admitted to the hospital is tested for COVID-19. Patients in any of our emergency departments are tested. Every patient scheduled for a surgery or a procedure requiring general anesthesia is tested prior to coming to the hospital.
Employees: We have established a program that tests employees and physicians regularly.
Cleaning
We use an advanced cleaning and disinfection process on all medical equipment, highly touched surfaces and frequently trafficked areas. All of our cleaning exceeds the recommendations put in place by the CDC. Patient rooms are cleaned daily, and deep cleaned after a patient is discharged. We have also installed additional hand sanitizing stations.
Designated Patient Care Areas
Patients who don’t have COVID-19 are treated on separate units by different care teams while in the hospital. We are committed to providing exceptional care to patients with COVID-19. It’s part of our mission. Patients with COVID-19 and those awaiting test results are cared for on designated units.
Visitors
While community spread of COVID-19 is still occurring, we will continue to restrict who can visit our hospitals and who can accompany patients to appointments. We don’t like limiting visitors, but it helps reduce the risk of exposure to patients and staff.
Surgeries and Procedures
Our operating rooms and procedural areas meet the most stringent guidelines for cleanliness and safety. If you have a scheduled procedure, our teams will walk you through new, easy processes for pre-testing, arrival and discharge. These include using mobile device check-in and reduced on-site paperwork.
Social Distancing
We have reduced the number of patients and staff allowed in elevators. We have eliminated lines at screening areas, appointment check-in and cafeterias with social distancing stickers and signage. The majority of our waiting rooms are closed. Most check-in areas will have plexiglass barriers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We have ample supplies of infection prevention equipment to help keep patients and caregivers safe, such as masks, gloves, gowns and eye coverings.
Ambulatory
We offer a number of services at our ambulatory locations. Exam rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each patient. And our radiology equipment is cleaned according to the strictest standards after each patient.
Telehealth
We offer a wide range of telehealth services if you prefer to see your doctor from the comfort of your home. You will need a MyChart account to conduct a visit. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for one.
