Southcoast, like all hospitals and health systems in the region, is following the recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the CDC when it comes to administering vaccinations.
Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is expected to be limited at first, CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state and local governments about who should be vaccinated first.
These recommendations are based on guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent panel of medical and public health experts.
The recommendations were made with these goals in mind:
- Decrease death and serious disease as much as possible.
- Preserve functioning of society.
- Reduce the extra burden COVID-19 is having on people already facing disparities.
It is important to note that we are not the authority on deploying the vaccine; rather, we are one of many healthcare entities helping to facilitate it.
Please click here for our Southcoast COVID-19 Vaccination Info Center.
This page will continue to update you on Southcoast Health’s response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
Attention: Due to increasing COVID-19 community spread, and in order to keep our patients, employees, and providers safe, new visitation restrictions are now in place across Southcoast Health locations, including our hospitals, Emergency Departments, and other clinical areas.
Visitor Policy: Spanish and Portuguese
View important updates for hospital visitors here.
Sign up for text updates here.
Right now, our nurses, providers, support services, and clinical staff need the communities we serve to take this surge very seriously by following listed guidelines.
Thank you. By protecting yourself, you’re protecting our healthcare heroes.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
As the number of cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to spread throughout the South Coast region, Southcoast Health is committed to bringing you the latest information, including how to get the most exceptional level of care—protecting yourself from COVID-19, our visitor policy, and much more.
Southcoast Health is adequately prepared and meeting the needs of this coronavirus outbreak. Our infectious disease specialists and healthcare staff are trained and equipped to care for patients with COVID-19 and have procedures in place to keep you safe and help you get the care you need, such as our COVID-19 hotline, telehealth appointment options, MyChart, and more.
Your health and safety are always our top priority.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Info Center
COVID-19 HOTLINE: 508-973-1919
This line serves Southcoast Health patients with COVID-19 triage, scheduling, and test results.
Hours of operation: daily, 8am-5pm
Scheduling a COVID-19 Test Appointment
You can now self-schedule a COVID-19 test through MyChart.
To schedule, log in to MyChart or click here and scroll down to the “COVID-19 Testing” button.
To sign-up for MyChart follow this link for activation of your account, mychart.southcoast.org/mychart/signup.
COVID-19 Test Results
To check your COVID-19 test results, log-on to MyChart, or click here.
To sign-up for MyChart follow this link for activation of your account, mychart.southcoast.org/mychart/signup.
Please note it may take 3-7 days to receive your test results.
For additional information on COVID-19 services, provider appointments, safety protocols, COVID-19 vaccinations, and more, please visit our COVID-19 Services page.
Travel
The Southcoast Health Safety Pledge
Every employee is committed to patients, visitors, and each other. All employees shall understand and abide by the following safety standards:
- Separate patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 from other patients
- Don Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with CDC/DPH guidelines
- Don and enforce mandatory masking/face coverings for all staff and patients
- Enforce strict social distancing requirements – every 6 feet wherever possible
- Screen all staff, patients, and escorts
- Perform rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols between patients and every 2 hours
- Clean air filtration systems in our hospitals and facilities
- Test all patients admitted to our hospitals for COVID-19
- Restrict visitors and companions, limiting possible exposures
- Provide Telehealth options available and scheduled when appropriate
Stop the Spread
A strategic testing program by the Commonwealth to support the testing of asymptomatic individuals in communities across Massachusetts, including Fall River and New Bedford, that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. If you are a resident of one of these communities, even if you have no COVID symptoms, please get tested to help stop the spread. Click Stop the Spread for a list of testing sites.
Support Our Staff
They also need your moral support. Post pictures of your Southcoast flag, your family masking up, your red lights, and your messages of gratitude and inspiration on social media with #SouthcoastFrontlines.
COVID-19 Public Service Announcement, (Spanish, Portuguese)
Please click here for important video messages from Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Dani Hackner (English), Primary Care Physician Dr. Carlos Correia (Portuguese), and Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Eliesel Lacerda De La Cruz (Spanish).
Messages from Keith Hovan
Photojournalist Peter Pereira’s documented work of health care workers on the frontlines and behind the scenes at Southcoast Health.
Recommendations
Seeking Emergency & Urgent Care
- If you are in immediate medical distress, please dial 911
- You may also call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 2-1-1 or the Rhode Island Department of Health at 401-222-8022
- If you don’t have a PCP and/or you’re acutely ill and think you need medical attention, PLEASE CALL AHEAD to our Urgent Care Centers or Emergency Departments if you can and let them know you’re coming in to ensure appropriate treatment and the safety of patients and staff. PLEASE DO NOT COME IN UNANNOUNCED IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
Seeking COVID-19 Care
- Click Here for a Free CDC Assessment to help you determine if you should seek medical services or stay home (This link will bring you to the CDC website.)
- Southcoast Health COVID-19 Hotline and Triage at 508-973-1919 (hotline open to the entire community)
- Call your primary care provider (PCP) or schedule an appointment via MyChart if you’re not feeling well and seek treatment from you PCP
- Consider telehealth for a video visit to safely receive medical treatment from your home
For more information on how to receive medical care and treatment amid COVID-19, please visit our Essential Care page.
Resources
We are in daily communication with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Rhode Island Department of Health in following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Southcoast Health is also coordinating efforts with municipalities and community partners across the region to protect the public against the spread of COVID-19 and to encourage prevention.
- Follow Southcoast Health on Facebook and Twitter
- Southcoast Health Essential Care Continues
- Stay up-to-date on Southcoast Health’s COVID-19 News
- Southcoast Health Physicians on COVID-19
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- The Rhode Island Department of Health
- Fall River Health and Human Services
- The New Bedford Health Department
- The Wareham Health Department
- Plasma Donation Information
Rules
- Location changes or closures information:
- Laboratory Services
- Due to our social distancing requirements, our lab locations are currently not accepting walk-ins. Please call 508-973-5306 to schedule an appointment.
- Laboratory Services
Reminders
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Cough and sneeze into a facial tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid groups of people and keep six feet of distance between yourself and others. Limit your travel
- Clean frequently touched surfaces (including mobile devices)
- Stay hydrated and nourished
Messages and Videos From Our Leaders and Clinical Staff
Our administrative and clinical leaders continue to work closely with providers and staff 24/7 to ensure the safety of patients and employees at our hospitals and practices.
A Message from Renee Clark
Southcoast hospitals held a service of ‘remembrance, support and renewal of strength’
A Message from Tonya Johnson
Important Messages from Dr. Hackner
A message from Sharon Jones
A message from Dr. Elizabeth Smith
A message from Phil Oliveira
Southcoast Health Supply Warehouse – Take a Tour
A Message from Jackie Somerville
Renee Clark Update April 9 2020
A Message from Dr. Hackner
A Message from Keith Hovan
Public Service Announcement Videos
The following messages were recorded on March 13, 2020. Please note the evolving nature of COVID-19, may lead to additional updates.
Watch our PSA in Spanish or Portuguese by selecting the circle under the video.
Statement from Southcoast Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Dani Hackner (Spanish, Portuguese)
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.
Be Informed. Be Smart. Be Safe.
Thank you for trusting Southcoast Health with your care. Be well.