Emerson Hospital CEO: 'Recovery Planning Is Underway'

CONCORD, MA — While many hospitals in the Commonwealth are still in the thick of the battle against the new coronavirus, Emerson Hospital is hoping the downward trend in cases will stick around long enough to focus on recovery.

Emerson Hospital CEO Christine Schuster wrote a letter to the community explaining that “The tide is shifting and recovery planning is underway,” at Emerson Hospital. She added that COVID-19 will remain prevalent until a vaccine is developed, but the hospital is still looking forward.

In the meantime, Schuster stressed that staff and patients' health was Emerson's priority. Schuster listed out reminders and initiatives Emerson is undertaking:

• Do Not Delay Care: Call your doctor if you are not feeling well! Most Emerson doctors are using telehealth for care that does not require an office visit. Delaying care can be harmful for you. Health screenings and well-checks are so important. Children must continue their well check-ups, including vaccinations to prevent their risk of exposure to preventable diseases.
• The Hospital Is Safe: Our Emergency Department, imaging, lab, and all areas remain clean and available for you. Babies are being delivered, and emergency surgeries and procedures have continued throughout the pandemic. Every patient receives care in the safest way possible. While our visitor policy must remain restricted, iPads are provided to patients to communicate with their loved ones. Our professional environmental services team thoroughly cleans every area of the hospital regularly, adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
• Prepared for a New Normal: As soon as state and federal guidance allows, we are prepared to open and safely perform necessary surgeries and procedures for all patients. This will include continued testing of hospital staff, separate areas and entrances for patients without symptoms of COVID-19, and social distancing.
• Continued Care for COVID-19: We have the necessary personal protective equipment for patients and staff. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are cared for in separate areas in the hospital and urgent care. For your convenience, drive through COVID-19 testing is available at Emerson Urgent Care in Littleton with a doctor’s order.