Concord Hospital is delaying elective procedures and surgeries in preparation for the possibility of an onslaught of COVID patients, and to decrease the likelihood of transmission, it is sharply limiting visitors and suspending all volunteer programs.
In a statement released late Monday afternoon, the hospital also asks that the community use the hospital’s emergency room only in the case of true emergencies.
The moves are similar to those being taken by other acute-care hospitals around the region and the nation.
Visitors are being restricted as follows: pediatrics – parents or guardians only; maternity – partner only; patients at the end-of-life – one visitor at a time.
The hospital cafeteria is off-limits to the general public, and all classes, support groups and school group visits are being canceled until further notice.
Likewise, the Dartmouth-Hitchcock health system began delaying some elective procedures Monday in an effort to focus on preserving critical supplies and equipment as the virus spreads.
The health system includes Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, several affiliated smaller hospitals and two dozen clinics across New Hampshire and Vermont. Providers have begun contacting patients whose procedures will be delayed.
The new policy does not affect doctor’s appointments, well visits, urgent care or emergency procedures. Those who don’t receive calls should arrive as scheduled for procedures.