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.

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home COVID-19 Update Regarding Visitation

Updated: 9/1/2020

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home received notification of a consultant recently working in our facility who tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, following guidelines set by the NYS Department of Health and exercising caution for our residents and employees, Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home is suspending all visitations for the next 28 days. Exceptions to this visitation suspension are only if a resident has had a significant change in condition, is on end of life care, or on Hospice. Families and friends are encouraged to communicate with their loved ones residing at Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home by phone call, Facetime call, or Zoom meeting, which can be facilitated through Nursing Home employees.

“Our staff has and continues to go to great lengths to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our residents – our number one priority,” said Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home Administrator Allysa Olsen. “Our thoughts are with the individual who tested positive. We are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of our residents and staff and taking great strides to maintain communication between our residents and their loved ones during this time.”

Staff members at Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home continue to work diligently to keep residents and employees safe. Guidelines from the NYS Department of Health have and continue to be strictly implemented and followed. Employees have their temperatures taken and are screened for symptoms before and after every shift and are tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Staff members wear masks and other appropriate personal protective equipment throughout their entire shift. Increased frequency of assessment of residents’ health and well-being is taking place. In addition to routine cleaning, increased sanitization, especially of high-touch areas, is taking place. Residents remain in their rooms except for ambulation and small group activities, in which they remain socially distanced and wear face masks. Family members of our residents are provided daily updates via call or email.

Family members of residents at Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home may contact the following staff members with any questions:

Allysa Olsen, Administrator (716) 592-2871 x 1201
Renna Thaine, Director of Nursing (716) 592-2871 x 1285