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Don’t let Coronavirus prevent you from receiving the emergency care you need – Southcoast Health is open and ready to care for you.
What Happens if an Emergency or Urgent Health Condition Unrelated to COVID-19 Occurs?
Southcoast Health is here no matter the level of care you need – whether it be an emergency or urgent condition, we can ensure that you receive appropriate treatment.
Health Emergencies, Accidents, and Injuries Don’t Take Breaks, So Why Should Your Treatment?
A lot has been put on hold, but our care has not stopped – we are here for you. If you suspect you have a cardiac, vascular, or neurological issue, or a severe injury do not ignore your symptoms. Southcoast Health wants to remind you to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you are experiencing:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Weakness/numbness on one side
- Slurred speech
- Fainting/change in mental state
- Serious burns
- Head or eye injury
- Concussion/confusion
- Broken bones and dislocated joints
- Fever with a rash
- Seizures
- Severe cuts that may require stitches
- Facial lacerations
- Severe cold or flu symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
Receiving Non-Emergency Care during COVID-19
If you are experiencing a non-emergency, minor injury, or illness, please do not wait to receive care. Southcoast Health Urgent Care centers are open and ready to care for you. Delaying your treatment could cause a minor issue to become a serious condition.
Non-emergency injury and illness can include:
- Colds, infections and flu symptoms
- Sore throat, earaches and sinus infections
- Bruises, fractures and sprains
- Skin conditions
- Burns
- Animal bites
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Urinary tract infections
- Minor eye injuries
Those who check-in online will receive a call from us and may have a telehealth assessment right over the phone.
Walk-ins are still welcome too! For your safety, you’ll be greeted at the door, given a mask, and asked to return to your car. We will then call you and possibly provide a telehealth assessment over the phone. In either case, you’ll be asked to come in if further evaluation or testing is needed.
Click here to check wait times and choose the best location for you.
Our Top Priority is Keeping Our Patients and Staff Safe
Our local emergency departments and urgent care centers have taken steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in order to keep patients and staff safe. These steps include isolating patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and a rigorous disinfection and cleaning process between patient visits.
With many staff in administrative office areas working from home, our cleaning staff has been solely focused on the cleaning of our patient care facilities, which include hospitals and urgent care centers.
Staff is currently cleaning every 2 hours in all locations, along with stripping and waxing floors in select areas such as the pre-op area in the surgical centers.
What to Expect When You Arrive at a Southcoast Health Facility
For the protection of our patients, employees, and providers, protocols have been put in place at all Southcoast Health facilities.
- All individuals entering a Southcoast Health facility for care will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and a temperature
- All patients will be given a face mask; please note an ample supply of PPE equipment is available at all Southcoast Health facilities
- Southcoast Health is currently restricting ALL patient visitors with limited exception – click here to view our current Visitor Policy
How We Care for Patients with COVID-19 Symptoms
Patients visiting our Emergency Department(s) due to COVID-19 symptoms will be placed in isolated areas and separated from non-COVID patients.
We are also directing patients to our out-patient respiratory clinics in Dartmouth and Wareham to care for COVID-19 symptoms.
Southcoast has instituted serology testing or screening for antibodies in the blood of patients. A body makes these antibodies when it fights an infection like COVID-19. To learn more about serology testing, please reach out to your primary care physician via MyChart or phone.
Our focus is on prevention and safety. These protocols will ensure the safety of patients and employees at our hospitals and practices.
Telehealth Appointments
Get the exceptional care you expect from Southcoast Health right from the comfort and safety of your home with our telehealth appointment options. Find an option to meet your needs.
Continued Care
COVID-19 has put a lot of life’s activities on hold, but your goals for better health, less pain and a healthier weight should not be interrupted. We are here to offer you options from the comfort and safety of your home to continue moving forward.
Weight Loss
Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from achieving your weight loss goals. We’ve made sure that you can safely continue your progress with our online options.
Take the first steps towards a healthier you by watching a free Southcoast Health online weight loss seminar.
Learn about weight loss options that are right for you and how to book a telehealth appointment with one of our experienced weight loss physicians.
Orthopedics
If you have been dealing with arthritis or joint pain, don’t delay seeking the treatment that can help you get back to living an active life.
Learn about surgical and non-surgical treatments for arthritis, knee, and hip pain with a Southcoast Health Orthopedic Surgeon — right from the comfort of your own home.
To get started on your journey to recovery, please call (844)-744-5544 for more information or to schedule an appointment or visit here.
Elective Surgeries
Given the rapidly-evolving situation related to COVID-19, most elective procedures at Southcoast Health have been temporarily postponed; however, it is important to work with your provider and be prepared for a procedure.
The decision to have surgery is a significant one. Before surgery, it is necessary to be fully informed and prepared. Your preparation can affect the outcome and the results. If you are considering elective surgery or actively pursuing one, arrangements must be made well in advance of your surgery date.
Review this common checklist to assist you in preparing for your surgery:
- Schedule an appointment now to discuss elective surgery options with your provider
- Make a list of questions to ask your provider regarding the type of surgery recommended
- Check with your health plan regarding costs and coverage of the procedure
- Schedule preoperative laboratory tests and an interview with your anesthesiologist
- Follow all instructions during the weeks and days preceding surgery
- Arrange for necessary home care, equipment, etc., following surgery
- Sign all informed consent and other legal forms before surgery
- Quit smoking to help in your recovery process
We prioritize fully informing and preparing our patients about the recommended surgery. Equally as important is having the time necessary to educate our patients fully. If you’re considering an elective procedure, please work with your provider to begin the planning process.
Stay Informed
To receive the latest updates on COVID-19 and other essential health information, opt-in for Southcoast Health text message alerts.
As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider. To opt-out at any time just reply STOP. Reply HELP for help.