May 6, 2020
From St James Hospital in Hornell:
With the reopening of elective appointments and procedures, St. James Hospital has specific scheduling information to share with patients. “Virtually all of our outpatient services are now reopened,” said Bilal Ahmed, M.D., St. James Hospital chief medical officer. “This includes imaging studies, colonoscopies, endoscopies, outpatient surgeries, physical therapy, and specialty appointments. We have published our current scheduling, which is designed to keep
patients and staff safe.” The schedule is posted below and at www.urmc.rochester.edu/st-james/services.
“It is very important for patients who have been waiting to reestablish their relationship with the healthcare system. This will help prevent complications or a continued decline of their health,” said Dr. Ahmed. “During this time our #1 priority is – and will continue to be – patient and staff safety.”
Safety protocols include pre-visit and on-site screening of all individuals, universal masking, limited points of entry to clinics and the hospital, reconfigured waiting rooms and work space for social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, scheduling that promotes social distancing, and continued use of telemedicine appointments where appropriate.
“In addition, we will call patients in advance to ask if they have symptoms, limit visitors accompanying patients, and take additional precautions if needed based on your procedure or appointment,” said Dr. Ahmed. “Per NYS regulations, we are also required to COVID test all patients three days prior to their procedure — this is for the safety of everyone involved. We look forward to continuing to take care of our community.”
