Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital to resume services
The Ohio and Florida locations of Cleveland Clinic including Union Hospital are resuming outpatient surgeries, procedures and appointments that were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ohio and Florida locations of Cleveland Clinic including Union Hospital are resuming outpatient surgeries, procedures and appointments that were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The health and safety of our patients and caregivers remains our top priority, and we want to assure patients that our facilities are safe for them to receive care,” said Bruce James, president and CEO of Union Hospital.
James said outpatient surgeries in the hospital and at the Tuscarawas Ambulatory Surgery Center at Dover that do not require an overnight stay will resume. Caregiver staff from the hospital and its medical offices also are contacting patients about scheduling appointments, surgeries and procedures.
For nearly two months, Cleveland Clinic has taken steps to increase safety at its locations by limiting visitors and screening them for potential COVID-19 symptoms, providing essential personal protective equipment for caregivers, practicing physical distancing, expanding testing capabilities, and continuing to clean facilities extensively.
Visitor restrictions remain in place with very specific exceptions. For the latest visitor policy, visit www.clevelandclinic.org/coronavirus.
As services begin to resume, James said patients may notice a few changes in place at the hospital and medical offices to ensure a safe environment:
When entering the hospital and medical offices, patients and permitted visitors will be screened for potential COVID-19 symptoms including a temperature scan. Everyone will be asked to sanitize their hands and will be provided with a mask to wear the entire time they are in the facilities. They may choose and are encouraged to bring their own masks from home.
There will be reminders for social and physical distancing, as well as less furniture in the lobbies and waiting areas. All elevators, door handles and common areas will be cleaned regularly. All patients with scheduled surgeries or procedures that will take place in the hospital or at TASC will be tested for COVID-19 before their surgery or procedure.
James said virtual visits also will continue to play an important role in how patients access care.
“As we continue to adapt to this evolving public health issue and begin to resume services, this is an opportunity to rethink how we deliver care in ways that are both safe and convenient for our patients,” James said. “We are eager to reconnect with many of our patients as we continue our mission of caring for our community.”
James also encouraged anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency such as a heart attack or stroke to call 911 and seek care at the hospital’s Emergency Center because time is so important in treatment of these serious conditions. Procedures also have been put in place in the Emergency Center to protect patients and caregivers from the spread of COVID-19.