Brighton, MA –  St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, a Steward Family hospital, has resumed offering elective health care procedures previously delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. As part of its “Safe & Ready” program, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center has taken additional, necessary preparations to ensure patients can receive high-quality, compassionate care in a safe, carefully managed environment.

Steward Health Care’s early and robust preparation for the pandemic on a national scale allows it to proceed with an expansion of services to meet the needs of its patients and communities. Steward has collaborated with its world class physicians and developed protocols based on the latest clinical evidence to ensure the safety of patients and providers alike.

“From serious conditions to aches and pains, we know the health care needs of our patients and their families haven’t stopped,” said Harrison Bane, president of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center. “That’s why our clinics and emergency rooms are open, and we are scheduling medically appropriate elective procedures. Coronavirus has presented us with new challenges, but St. Elizabeth's Medical Center stands ready to meet all the health care needs of our community – in a safe, secure setting.”

St. Elizabeth's Medical Center is adhering to a rigorous five-point standard ensuring patient safety, confidence and convenience:

• Any COVID-19 related care will take place in designated areas away from other patients and their families.
• Our Emergency Department has been reorganized to isolate potential COVID-19 cases, and still be a safe place to treat all emergency patients.
• A stringent cleaning policy has been implemented throughout the hospital.
• A strictly controlled visitor and masking policy is still required.

While the hospital is resuming elective surgery, Steward Medical Group primary care offices and specialty practices are welcoming patients back for in-office visits where appropriate and continue to see patients via telehealth virtual visits. “We are pleased to expand the in-office visits we can provide to patients and at the same time continue to treat them from the safety of their homes through telehealth during the Phase 2 reopening,” said Michael Callum, MD, president of Steward Medical Group. “It is important that patients seek the care they need, and we have taken many steps at our practices to ensure they are as safe as possible for patient care.”

Steward Medical Group primary care practices and specialty practices have implemented the following:

• Safe screening practices for all patients for COVID-19 prior to in-person office visits.
• Ready to quickly reschedule previously postponed appointments and procedures.
• Safe enhanced cleaning and personal protection procedures.
• Ready with safe social distancing at check-in, checkout and in reception areas.
• Safe provision of any COVID-related care in a separate and isolated area away from other patients and families.
• Ready to enhance safety by requiring surgical masks be worn by patients, staff, and providers while at an office visit.

If you or a family member experiences a medical issue, it is important that you not delay care. Your local Steward hospital and our experienced emergency providers are ready to care for you, 24/7. Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency.

If you need a primary care appointment, please call your provider’s office or visit stewardmedicalgroup.org. For more information, visit St. Elizabeth's Medical Center's website to stay updated with the latest information.

###