St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – May 19th, 2020 – Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC) announced today it is lifting the temporary restrictions placed on elective surgeries and outpatient procedures. As the nation is reopening and moving back to normal operations, SRMC is prepared to begin scheduling non-high risk patients for outpatient and electives procedures. The Virgin Islands Territory has experienced relatively low and stable incidences of COVID-19, that have allowed SRMC the flexibility to resume these services for patients needing nonemergent or non-COVID-19 related care.
“This is great news for patients who have placed their care plans on hold due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Luis Amaro, Interim CEO of SRMC. “Our team is ready to deliver safe, quality healthcare services to all patients. We will continue to follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the VI Department of Health guidelines” said Dr. Amaro.
Patient and employee safety remains our top priority at SRMC. As such, our visitation and screening processes will continue throughout this first phase of the reopening. Our community will have access to the following services: SRMC Heart & Lung Laboratory Services (including testing for food handler’s cards) Rehabilitation Services (Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Cardiopulmonary Therapy) Dietary and Nutrition Consultations Mastectomy & Medical Compression Garment Fittings Limited Elective Surgical Procedures
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SRMC’s safety protocols for resuming services include, but are not limited to: All individuals entering Schneider Regional Medical Center facilities, including all staff members, will continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. All individuals entering Schneider Regional Medical Center facilities will be asked to wear a mask or cloth face covering. Visitors will still be prohibited. A support person will be allowed for surgical patients, delivering OB mothers; children under the age of 18; patients with confusion, altered mental status or developmental delays; and end-of-life patients. All outpatient services, tests, and procedures are done by appointment only. All individuals are required to practice social distancing of six feet in all public areas and waiting rooms. Extra cleaning and disinfection of high-touch, public surface areas will continue. Infectious patients will continue to be cared for in isolation, away from non-infectious patients. All care team members who provide direct patient care will continue to follow our policies for wearing surgical masks, protective eyewear, as well as other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
In addition to the safety protocols we have in place, our health system remains prepared to respond if a surge of COVID-19 develops in our Territory. We can quickly cease all elective and non-essential cases and return to more restrictive policies and protocols. SRMC also maintains an adequate supply of PPEs and other resources. We have reserved at least 50 percent of our hospital bed capacity, by opening a new COVID-19 wing that is designed to care for our most critical patients. We continue to collaborate with the Virgin Islands Government, the Department of Health, and emergency response officials to evaluate incidences and trends of COVID-19 cases.
“Until a vaccine is found, SRMC will remain prepared at all times to respond to COVID-19 and to care for our community,” said Dr. Amaro.
Patients who wish to schedule their elective surgery or outpatient procedure should call our Patient Access and Scheduling Department at (340) 776-833 extensions 2157, 2168, 2171, and 2211.
For more information about Schneider Regional Medical Center, visit our website at https://srmedicalcenter.org
