“We are pleased to begin providing elective services such as
imaging studies, colonoscopies, endoscopies, outpatient surgeries, physical
therapy, and specialty appointments,” said Bilal Ahmed, M.D., St. James
Hospital chief medical officer. “Some patients have been waiting for care since
mid-March, and a continued delay may cause a further decline of their health.
We will increase our ambulatory volume beginning Tuesday to meet our
community’s health care needs.”
“We will take a phased-in approach to ensure staff and
patient safety,” said Bryan O’Donovan, president and CEO. “Safety is – and will
continue to be – our #1 priority.”
Safety protocols include pre-visit and on-site screening of
all individuals, universal masking, limited points of entry to clinics and the
hospital, reconfigured waiting rooms and work space for social distancing, use
of personal protective equipment, scheduling that promotes social distancing,
and continued use of telemedicine appointments where appropriate.
“In addition, we will call patients in advance to ask if
they have symptoms, limit the number of visitors accompanying patients, and
take additional precautions if needed based on your procedure or appointment,”
said Dr. Ahmed.
Patients who have been waiting for elective procedures and
appointments at St. James will be contacted directly by their provider to
schedule an appointment.
“This is a positive step in continuing our mission of
providing the Hornell area with the vital health services they need,” said
O’Donovan. “Our medical staff and team members are excited about seeing their
patients and taking care of our community.”
