BROCKTON – Good Samaritan Medical Center, a Steward Family hospital, announced it will resume offering elective health care procedures previously delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. As part of its “Safe & Ready” program, Good Samaritan Medical Center is taking additional, necessary preparations to ensure patients can receive high-quality, compassionate care in a safe, carefully managed environment – without fear of infection.

Steward Health Care’s early and robust preparation for the pandemic on a national scale allows it to proceed with an expansion of services to meet the needs of its patients and communities. Steward has collaborated with its world class physicians and developed protocols based on the latest clinical evidence to ensure the safety of patients and providers alike.

“From serious conditions to aches and pains, we know that the health care needs of our patients and their families haven’t stopped,” said Marisela Marrero, MD, President of Good Samaritan Medical Center “That’s why our clinics and emergency rooms are open, and we are scheduling certain elective procedures. Coronavirus has presented us with new challenges, but Good Samaritan Medical Center stands ready to meet all the health care needs of the community – in a safe, secure setting.”

Good Samaritan Medical Center is adhering to a rigorous five-point standard ensuring patient safety, confidence and convenience:

1. Expanded hours will allow previously cancelled procedures to be scheduled as quickly as possible.
2. Any COVID-19 related care will take place in designated areas away from other patients and their families.
3. The Emergency Department has a mechanism in place for separating non-Covid patients from Covid positive patients. It is a safe place to treat all emergency patients.
4. Rigorous cleaning procedures continue to be a top priority throughout the hospital.
5. Controlled visitor and mask policies remain in place.

While the hospital is resuming elective surgery, Steward Medical Group primary care offices and specialty practices are welcoming patients back for in-office visits where appropriate and continue to see patients via telehealth virtual visits. “We are pleased to expand the in-office visits we can provide to patients and at the same time continue to treat them from the safety of their homes through telehealth during the Phase 2 reopening,” said Michael Callum, MD, president of Steward Medical Group. “It is important that patients seek the care they need, and we have taken many steps at our practices to ensure they are as safe as possible for patient care.”

Steward Medical Group primary care practices and specialty practices have implemented the following:

•     Safe screening practices for all patients for COVID-19 prior to in-person office visits.
•     Ready to quickly reschedule previously postponed appointments and procedures.
•     Safe enhanced cleaning and personal protection procedures.
•     Ready with safe social distancing at check-in, checkout and in reception areas.
•     Safe provision of any COVID-related care in a separate and isolated area away from other patients and families.
•   Ready to enhance safety by requiring surgical masks be worn by patients, staff, and providers while at an office visit.

If you or a family member experiences a medical issue, it is important that you not delay care. Your local Steward hospital and our experienced emergency providers are ready to care for you, 24/7. Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency.

Patients interested in more information should visit goodsamaritanmedical.org or contact their physician’s office to inquire about scheduling a procedure.

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