COVID-19 Updates at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center

COVID-19 Updates at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center

Patient Information

Entering the Hospital

Patients can enter through the Seton main entrance and St. Margaret's building entrance, both located off of Nevins Street.

Our entrance at the Connell building (directly off of Cambridge Street) is closed until further notice. 

The Emergency Department entrance is open for patients needing our emergency room only, and visitors of patients after 8:00 p.m.

Visitor Policy

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 27, 2022, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

To best ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff, there are some visitor restrictions currently in place. In most cases, we are allowing one (1) adult visitor at a time per patient, provided that the patient has not been admitted with COVID. Further detail on individual units are listed below. 

What to Know Before Visiting:

• Visitors are allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.*
• Patients may have one (1) visitor at a time, with no time restriction on the duration of the visit*.
  • If multiple people in your party are visiting, we ask that others wait outside the facility and rotate in for visitation to help adhere to the single-visitor rule.
• Visitors entering the hospital under special circumstances after 8:00 p.m. daily must enter through the Emergency Department entrance.
• If the visitor has been exposed to anyone with COVID in the past 14 days or has symptoms (such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or fever) they will not be allowed in. 
• Masks must be worn at all times in the hospital. If you do not have a mask, we will provide one to you. Scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs, cloth masks, or any masks that do not properly cover the nose and mouth are not allowed. Refusal to wear a mask will result in the revocation of visitation privileges. 

*Unless otherwise noted below or confirmed with your care team.

Specifics by Unit: 

• Inpatient Units and ICU: One (1) adult visitor at a time to inpatient units. Exceptions may apply, please contact your care team prior to visiting. 
• Outpatient Appointments: One (1) adult visitor/escort with each patient coming to an outpatient clinic or procedure. 
• Emergency Department: One (1) adult visitor/escort is allowed 24/7.
• Labor and Delivery/Mother-Baby Units: Two (2) visitors will be allowed at a time. Visitors can swap out upon patient request.
  • If the patient is COVID positive, only one visitor will be allowed with no swapping.
  • Doulas are considered separate as they are part of the care team. 
• NICU: Both patient parents may visit. 
• 7 West Unit: Visitors by appointment only between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Visits will be limited to one (1) adult visitor for one (1) patient at a time for no more than 30 minutes. To schedule an appointment please call 617-789-3247. Accommodations outside of normal visiting hours can be arranged through the unit charge nurse.
• 5 West Unit: Visitors by appointment only between 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Visits will be limited to two (2) adult visitors on the unit at one time (max. one (1) visitor per patient) for no more than 30 minutes. To schedule an appointment please call 617-789-2127. Accommodations outside of normal visiting hours can be arranged through the unit charge nurse.
• Geriatric Psych Unit at Carney Hospital: Visiting hours will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. by appointment only for no more than 30 minutes. One visitor per time on the unit. Accommodations outside of normal visiting hours can be arranged through the unit. To schedule an appointment please call 617-506-4520. 

Additional circumstances: 

• Hospice/End-of-Life Care: visitation will be considered based on the best interest and needs of the patient. Exceptions must be approved by the care team. 

• If a minor (under age 18) is being treated, one (1) adult guardian may accompany them.

• Patients with physical and intellectual disabilities allowed one (1) adult support person. Support persons must pass screening process, and there are no restrictions on visiting hours for support persons.

COVID-19 Testing

• If you have mild symptoms or think you may have contracted COVID-19, please self-quarantine and call your healthcare provider first to schedule an appointment for testing. Your provider will guide you to the best location for testing depending on your needs. 

• We do not offer walk-in testing. However, if you have severe symptoms, our emergency department is safe and ready for immediate assistance. 

• Patients with symptoms are evaluated in a secure area separate from other medical emergencies.
• COVID-19 antibody tests are available at the Quest Diagnostics location on site (11 Nevins Street, Suite 204). An order from your doctor is required prior to scheduling. 
   
• If you think you may have contracted the virus but are asymptomatic, please contact your primary care physician for further guidance. 
   
• Testing sites in the state of Massachusetts can be found here.