Southampton NY- Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, along with our colleagues throughout the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system, is consistently adapting to evolving CDC and DOH guidelines, policies and information concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19).
In preparation for a predicted surge, Governor Cuomo is calling for hospitals to work toward increasing bed capacity by 100%. We, at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, are initiating a plan that progressively expands bed count over the next few weeks by repurposing areas throughout the hospital to safely care for suspected (PUI) and confirmed coronavirus patients.
To help reduce the spread of coronavirus to patients and staff, we have postponed elective surgeries and procedures, as well as mammography screening. Urgent procedures or operations necessary to preserve life and function will not be postponed.
Patients requiring X-Rays at the Hospital or in Hampton Bays Atrium, are now required to call and schedule an appointment as, until further notice, walk-ins are no longer accepted. We have suspended performing X-rays and lab work in our East Hampton Healthcare and Westhampton locations.
Our supplies (PPE, vents, beds, etc.) are adequate for current needs, but may be strained as we anticipate a surge over the next few weeks. We are keenly monitoring quantities and have taken innovative steps to reach beyond traditional supply chains to help bolster our supplies.
We are consistently re-educating and updating our healthcare workers and staff about revised guidelines on proper PPE use, per changing CDC guidelines.
At the entrance to our Emergency Department is a forward triage where a nurse in personal protective equipment (PPE) is stationed 24/7 to greet and screen patients. Those with COVID-19 symptoms are required to don a mask before entering the ED.
Our clinicians identify patients that qualify for testing by using the CDC guidelines, such as exhibiting flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, respiratory issues, and/or having been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Patient test samples are sent to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratories in Albany. Results take between 3-4 days during which time the patient is in isolation. We are researching additional sources to help expedite results. We converted the Parrish Memorial Hall to serve overflow from the Emergency Department, if needed.
Our wellness programs, exercise classes, and nutrition workshops are canceled, however we are providing some classes via our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/shhospitalny/videos and will be adding more.
Our colleagues at Stony Brook Medicine have established a coronavirus phone triage line for the community: Coronavirus Hotline (631) 638-1320. Registered nurses are available to answer calls from 8 am to midnight, Monday through Friday. Callers will be evaluated and directed to the appropriate healthcare setting for assistance, as needed.
For information in English and Spanish about COVID-19 testing and our Emergency Department guidelines, please call (631) 726-FACT (3228). Or visit our website at southampton.stonybrookmedicine.edu, which includes our COVID-19 efforts.
For more than a century, this hospital has served the East End. While these times are unchartered, one constant remains: the indefatigable spirt of this diverse community. We are deeply heartened by your generosity and offers of support. To ensure supplies, food, etc. are appropriately distributed please contact steven.bernstein@stonybrookmedicine.edu before delivering. He will track and record to make sure everything is delivered into the right hands.
Take care of yourself and those you care about and respect by maintaining social distancing, washing your hands often, and staying home.