Since COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emerged as a growing international public health concern earlier this year, New England Baptist Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, has been closely following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.

Consistent with guidelines from Beth Israel Lahey Health and the Governor‘s executive order, NEBH will postpone and reschedule all elective surgeries and outpatient activities until it is safe to return.

Our intent in rescheduling these elective visits is to adhere to social distancing recommendations; to protect patients and staff; and to help us preserve supplies including personal protective equipment (PPE).

For information on supply and equipment donations for COVID-19 preparedness and response, please click here.

For patients and visitors:

• If you are scheduled for elective surgery, outpatient procedure or appointment over the next two weeks, you will be contacted this week to postpone/reschedule your appointment.
• Emergent and clinically necessary surgeries and clinically necessary outpatient appointments will continue to ensure continuity of care, patient safety and expected outcomes.
• We will continue to support all post-surgical patients who remain at NEBH until they are ready to be discharged.
• Anyone coming to the hospital must check in upon arrival and will be screened for the flu and risk factors for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
• To protect the health of our patients and staff, NEBH is restricting all visitors—unless pre-approved by each patient’s care team.
• Anyone who has the flu, flu-like symptoms, or COVID-19 risk factors may not come to the Hospital. Should you need assistance, please call your primary care physician (PCP) and await further instruction. If your PCP is on site at NEBH, you will be asked to wear a mask during your visit.

We will continue to actively monitor this fluid situation and adjust our plans as required to support efforts to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and support the work and safety of the entire healthcare community and patients.