Staff reports 11:44 a.m.
Monday, May 11, 2020 11:46 am
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DOVER - Following guidance from the State of New Hampshire, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital announced last week it has launched a phased-in approach for the safe and effective reopening of time-sensitive appointments and procedures. In addition to urgent services that have remained available throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Wentworth-Douglass has begun a phased reopening that starts with surgical services, imaging, and cardiology care.
Surgical services, including endoscopy and Wentworth-Douglass Center for Pain Management procedural care, have reopened to accommodate more time-sensitive cases and procedures. Some patients scheduled for a surgery or procedure are required to have a COVID-19 test two days before their appointment. This testing will take place at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's testing site at 10 Members Way in Dover.
All Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's Imaging locations are open for diagnostic imaging needs. Screening exams, such as screening mammography, bone densitometry (DEXA), low dose CT screening for lung nodules, and CT Colonography, will open at a later time.
Cardiology services in Dover and Portsmouth are open and in the process of resuming normal services with urgent and time sensitive requests being prioritized. For any appointments or planned procedures, patients should contact their provider's office to discuss their care.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's Emergency Department is always open for patients experiencing life-threatening illness or injuries. Patients experiencing non-respiratory illnesses or injuries who need care fast are encouraged to visit Wentworth-Douglass Express Care in Dover and Lee or Walk-in Prompt Care at our Portsmouth Outpatient Center. Wentworth Health Partners physician practices are also offering virtual visits when appropriate. Learn more at wdhospital.org/immediatecare.
"At Wentworth-Douglass Hospital we turned our world upside down and inside out to care for the most vulnerable in our community as the COVID-19 crisis unfolded. Now, as we prepare a phased re-open of services, ensuring our patients are safe and cared for is our top priority. While care might look different because of screening procedures, masks, and social distancing, patients will continue to experience the same level of clinical excellence and dedication Wentworth-Douglass is known for," said Gregory Walker, FACHE, President & CEO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital.
When patients visit Wentworth-Douglass facilities, they will notice new infection prevention measures and protocols in place, including enhanced cleaning methods, screening anyone who enters our buildings, including staff, asking everyone to wear masks, re-arranging waiting areas to accommodate social distancing, and implementing new testing procedures to identify and isolate suspected COVID-19 patients. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's no visitor policy remains in effect. Exceptions include caregivers who are escorting patients to their appointments, end-of-life care, pediatric patients (two parents or guardians allowed per child), and one visitor for labor & delivery patients.
While future indicators predict a minimal number of COVID-19 cases moving forward, Wentworth-Douglass has processes in place to quickly react should a COVID-19 surge present in our community. Wentworth-Douglass Hospital's team remains ready to respond. Learn more about our service updates at wdhospital.org/serviceupdates.