BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — One of the largest health networks in Western New York, Kaleida Health, is implementing an enhanced visitor policy due to concerns amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The policy states the following points
- Please do not visit if you are ill.
- Parents and immediate family members are not considered visitors; they are an important part of the care team.
- No visitors under 14 years of age
- Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, especially before and after entering a patient’s room.
- If you are ill and seeking treatment, be sure to call yours doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department prior to arrival.
This impacts the following major hospitals in Western New York
- Buffalo General Medical Center
- Gates Vascular Institute
- DeGraff Memorial Hospital
- John R. Oishei Children's Hospital
- Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
- Olean General Hospital
As of Tuesday there are no confirmed coronavirus cases in Western New York.
As for nurses who make house visits, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) tells 7 Eyewitness News there is "no major issue with caring for patients in their homes" at this time.
With the elderly at greater risk, Beechwood Continuing care tells us it has "protocols" in place to "guarantee the health and safety" of it's residents, staff, families and guests.
“Beechwood Continuing Care has been and continues to closely monitor this situation in regard to the protocols we have in place to guarantee the health and safety of our residents, staff, resident families and guests. This includes constant communication on ever changing guidelines and directives with the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NYS Department of Health.”
Buffalo's VA Medical Center has also implemented new visiting hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. as of Tuesday. It will suspend visiting as a precautionary measure at its community living centers in Buffalo and Batavia.
