Surgery and Safe Care

You may have questions about whether or not it’s safe to come to the hospital for treatment or see your doctor for an appointment. The short answer is…Yes, it’s safe and we’re ready to see you!

VHC Health has long been recognized for excellence in patient safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken extra precautions to keep you safe, including:

Mask and hand hygiene stations are present at entry points throughout the hospital Masking is now optional in all areas of the hospital for staff and visitors except in the emergency department, NICU, hemodialysis, or those locations where there is special signage If a patient or a patient’s representative requests that a VHC staff or provider wear a mask while providing care to the patient, the request for masking will be honored Continued Frequent sanitizing of all exam rooms and common spaces.

Is it safe to have surgery or a procedure at VHC Health now?

Yes. VHC Health has consistently achieved national recognition  for excellent care and has always adhered to best practices for patient safety. During this challenging time, VHC has taken extra precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 and provide the safest possible environment for patients and staff. Throughout the pandemic, the Hospital has continued to safely perform essential surgeries and procedures for patients with cancer, heart, stroke and other health conditions—as well as delivering babies at our normal rate. 

Will I be screened for COVID-19 before my surgery?

Prior to your surgery or procedure you are not required to have a COVID test.  Patients who are admitted to the hospital or will be staying for observations after their surgery are not require a COVID- 19 PCR test unless they have COVD-19 symptoms.  There are still a few departments that require testing and if you are going to one of those units the staff will make sure to test you prior to transferring to the unit.

May a family member or friend accompany me to VHC Health the day of surgery and visit me afterwards?

To protect our patients and staff, all in-person visitation has been suspended with limited critical exemptions:

• Patients having a surgery or procedure may have one person to assist post-procedure.
• Pediatric patients may have two parents/guardians.
• Patients who have altered mental status or development delays, where a caregiver provides safety, may have one visitor.