A Reminder to Our Community Regarding COVID-19 Testing at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital:

All COVID-19 screening requires a prescription from the patient’s primary care provider. At this time, outpatient rapid testing is not available.

In order to better serve our patients and continue to provide a safe environment for fellow patients and staff, we are asking patients to call ahead to the Hospital if COVID testing is ordered in order to have a pre-registration process and the opportunity for possible outdoor swabbing or alternative entrances that do not pass through patient care areas. This will allow us to provide a more controlled process for patients to be tested without an increased risk of exposure to our staff and high risk patients.

There is no free testing for asymptomatic patients. This is available at the county health department in county in which the patient resides.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital appreciates your cooperation with this process to continue to do our part to reduce community spread and decrease potential exposure.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Temporarily Suspends Hospital Visitations Beginning November 16

In response to the recent rise in COVID-positive cases in our region, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is suspending all visitation to the Medical/Surgical floor, effective Monday, November 16, 2020. Exceptions to visitor restrictions will be made only at the discretion of the Hospital staff following guidance from the New York State Department of Health. These visitors will be subject to a verbal health screening and temperature scan upon entrance to the Hospital building.

Emergency Room visitation remains unchanged; one visitor per patient at the discretion of the Emergency Room staff and the visitor will undergo the screening process and procedures as outlined above. Additional visitors are encouraged to wait outside of the building in their vehicle.

This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect the safety of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital patients and staff.

“Our Emergency Preparedness team has been monitoring the progress of the virus and has been in constant communication with our county and state health departments,” said Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Ed Heidelberger. “While we are not required to suspend hospital visitations at this time, we believe it is a decision that is keeping the safety of our patients and the well-being of our community in mind – our number one priority in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home’s visitation policy remains unchanged from the guidance put forth by the New York State Department of Health on September 17.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, following guidance from the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reserves the right to modify these policies and measures at any time.

As a reminder, those in need of COVID testing are asked to consult their primary care provider first or call the Hospital first. All COVID testing at BCH requires a medical professional order. Please do not come directly to the hospital. Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has procedures put in place for COVID testing in order to keep patients and staff safe.

Thank you for continuing to do your part in order to keep our community healthy and safe.