Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton resumes elective surgeries, procedures and clinic visits; launches Safe Care initiative

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton (BID Milton), part of Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH), has resumed non-urgent, elective surgeries, procedures, and clinic visits following the state’s phase 2 lifting of restrictions due to COVID-19. BID Milton also announced the launch of BILH Safe Care, a set of rigorous standards to protect the health and safety of patients, visitors, and staff.

As part of the state’s phased re-opening plan, BID Milton is again providing a broad range of elective inpatient and outpatient procedures and services, including joint replacement surgery, routine screening mammograms, colonoscopies and patient visits in the Center for Specialty Care. Patients should contact their primary care provider or specialist for more information and to schedule an appointment.

“Our dedicated caregivers and staff continue to stand ready to meet the health care needs of our patients and community,” said Rich Fernandez, president of BID Milton. “As we return to providing the in-person services our community needs to remain healthy, we have implemented a comprehensive, best-practice safety program to protect our patients and staff.”

Now in place at BID Milton, BILH Safe Care combines new processes, standards, and technologies to promote patient safety, including:

• A three-point symptom check to confirm patients are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 before their in-person visit, as well as daily symptom checks for staff;
• Universal masking requirements for patients, escorts, and staff;
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of exam rooms, high-touch areas and common spaces; and
• Redesigned spaces to accommodate social distancing and safe pedestrian traffic flow.

BID Milton also offers telehealth options for many specialty areas, as well as primary care. To learn more about the hospital’s telehealth options, please visit www.bidmilton.org/for-patients-and-visitors/telehealth-services/.

“We know members of our community have a lot of questions about in-person health care visits,” said Sheila Barnett, MD, chief medical officer at BID Milton. “We want our patients to know that seeking care – whether for a routine check-up, preventative testing, or an emergency – is important, and BID Milton has taken all the steps necessary to assure your safety.”

For more information about the BILH Safe Care Plan, please visit www.bidmilton.org.