The safety of everyone who comes to HSS is our first priority. Please see below for videos that explain our new protocols, as well as answers to common questions on how we are keeping you safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Preparing for Your Visit to HSS
What to Expect at Your Appointment at HSS
What to Expect Before Your Surgery at HSS
If you have nonclinical questions related to hospital visitation, family communication on the day of surgery or after, etc, please call our patient/family resource line at 212.774.7547.
The health and safety of our patients, visitors, and employees remains our top priority. At this time, visitors will not be permitted to accompany adult patients to their appointment, unless special assistance is required. Pediatric patients 21 years of age or younger may have one designated visitor. During the appointment, we encourage patients to keep in contact with their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, FaceTime and/or phone. Staff will assist patients if needed.
HSS is in constant communication with local and federal agencies to ensure our screening process includes the latest travel advisories. In accordance with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), any individuals who travel to an area that has "a seven day rolling average of positive tests in excess of 10%" should be quarantined for 14 days. Please see the updated list of restricted states on the NYSDOH site.
If you have traveled internationally or been in any of the high risk areas for more than 24 hours during the last 14 days, we ask that you quarantine for 14 days from the date you left before visiting HSS. Please contact us to reschedule your visit or to potentially switch to a virtual visit.
As part of the screening process to ensure everyone’s safety, we will be asking all patients and visitors in all HSS locations (NY, NJ, CT and FL) about their travel history.
We are doing several rounds of screening before patient appointments.
We are also limiting the number of entrances to ensure that all patients are screened before they enter our facilities.
We have taken several steps to limit the time patients spend in waiting rooms. We have also made changes to limit the number of people you will need to interact with as well as the objects you will need to touch.
All staff members, including doctors and nurses, are required to do a temperature check and self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 before they arrive for work. Those who show any signs of illness are advised to not come into work.
All clinical staff will be wearing masks and eye protection (e.g., goggles, face shield). Other staff, such as registrars, will be wearing masks. This is in alignment with all current guidelines from New York State, New York City and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We will provide you with a surgical mask when you arrive at HSS if you don’t already have one. We also ask that you use our hand hygiene stations when you arrive and whenever asked to do so by a staff member.
All clinical areas are continually cleaned to the highest standards. Indeed, our infection control policies set the standard for others to follow. Here is how we are cleaning individual spaces:
Yes, all patients will be tested for COVID-19 ahead of surgery. This ensures your safety and the safety of our staff.
Presurgical screening will include a chest X-ray and a blood test to look for COVID-19 antibodies. On the day of surgery (or the day before), you will receive a nasopharyngeal swab test (done with a cotton swab in the nose) to test for COVID-19 virus. We will help you arrange this testing.
If we determine you are COVID-positive, you will be asked to reschedule your procedure for a later date.
Adult and pediatric patients having inpatient or same day (ambulatory) surgery at the Main Hospital will be allowed one (1) designated visitor over 18 years of age. Without exception, visitors who do not pass the screening process including a temperature check will not be permitted to enter the hospital. Visitors will be provided a mask to be worn at all times and will be asked to perform hand hygiene.
In Main Hospital inpatient areas, the visitor shall remain in the patient room at the patient’s side for the duration of the visit which will be limited to 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Visitors are not permitted for patients receiving aerosolized procedures including nebulizer treatments, high flow oxygen and Bipap, or testing positive for COVID.
Visitors are not permitted for adult surgical patients at the ASC of Manhattan and West Side ASC. Pediatric surgical patients at the ASC of Manhattan and West Side ASC are allowed one (1) visitor.
Accommodations will be made for palliative care, end of life, and patients with medical conditions requiring physical, emotional, or guardianship need. Need will be determined on an individual basis by Service Excellence, Security, Pediatric and/or Nursing Leadership. Visiting hours for those who meet the exceptions above are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
HSS may suspend visitation at any time.
“Social distancing” means keeping at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
At HSS. we have taken the following steps:
Inpatient rooms have also been set up to allow social distancing between patients, and between visitors and patients.
We ask that you please follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe.
Yes, your loved ones can pick you up from the front entrance of hospital when it is time for you to return home.
Postoperative care, such as X-rays and other imaging tests and physical therapy, is critical to your recovery. You will be able to come to HSS in person for these appointments.
Also, you can work with your doctor to create a plan that allows you to receive as much care as you want and are able to have virtually. Together, you can determine if your postoperative imaging is essential and, if so, the best location and timing for this to be done.