UVM Health Network Safety Measures and Expanded Virtual Offerings Work to Ensure Safe Care

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Safely delivering needed care has always been at the core of the UVM Health Network’s mission. That has never been more important than now – and we urge patients to seek the care they need.

Delayed or avoided medical care could increase the chances of long-term health problems associated with both chronic and acute health conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The health and safety of our communities always comes first. We are open and here to safely deliver the high-quality health care our patients need and expect,” said John Brumsted, MD, CEO of the UVM Health Network. “We regularly update our protocols and procedures to keep our patients and staff safe while we do what we do best – provide the best care to our patients.”

We continue to take extra precautions during the pandemic and have adjusted some of the ways we provide care in person, including using floor markers and pathways to prevent overcrowding and limiting the number of people in each area. Additionally, access to remote care options has expanded. This means that seeking care from UVM Health Network facilities remains safe.

“We are taking advantage of all of the tools we know are most effective in limiting the spread of the virus, including vaccination, masking, social distancing and frequent cleaning,” said Wouter Rietsema, MD, Vice President for Population Health and Information Services at UVM Health Network – Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital. “When you come to us for care, there’s good reason to know that you are going to be safe. If I had a family member who needed care, I would feel comfortable with them coming to any of our facilities.”

Patients are receiving care in new and convenient ways, thanks to the expansion of video and telephone visits for some types of appointments. Video visits are secure online appointments between patients and providers using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Both patients and providers are able to see, hear and speak to each other like an in-office visit. Patients should contact their provider’s office by phone or through MyChart to see if a video or phone telehealth visit is a good option for them.

For in-person visits, patients will notice additional safety precautions in place. We are conducting health screenings at all entrances to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure to our patients and staff. Anyone with respiratory symptoms is safely routed for care. We require social distancing in all waiting rooms and appropriate use of personal protective equipment, such as masks by all staff.

Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day and ready to deliver emergent care to those in need. We understand that patients may be hesitant to come into the hospital, but please be assured that precautions are in place in order to protect both our patients and staff. Your health is important and care should never be delayed when needed. 

Express and Urgent Care facilities remain open for walk-in patients needing care. Find a location near you.

As a reminder, UVM Health Network sites continue to enforce certain restrictions for visitors at our inpatient and outpatient facilities in order to keep our patients and staff safe. Up to date policies for each of our affiliates can be found on our website.

About The University of Vermont Health Network

The University of Vermont Health Network is an integrated system serving the residents of Vermont and northern New York with a shared mission: working together, we improve people’s lives.  The partners are:

• The University of Vermont Medical Center  
• The University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center
• The University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice

Our 4,000 health care professionals are driven to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care as close to home as possible. Strengthened by our academic connection to the University of Vermont, each of our affiliates remains committed to its local community by providing compassionate, personal care shaped by the latest medical advances and delivered by highly skilled experts.

###