Lawrence + Memorial Hospital implements visitor restrictions in wake of COVID-19 community spread

Over the past two weeks, New London County has seen a 267% increase in the number of people testing positive with COVID-19. As of October 2, there are 154 new cases reported across the county. Because of the rising incidence in our communities, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is restricting visitor access except under extenuating circumstances. The restrictions will become effective at 6 pm today and will apply at our inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Rare exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the patient’s clinical team and we will do our best to accommodate exceptions where possible, but our first priority is to protect the health of our patients, visitors and staff.

 These are the same policies that were implemented in March when COVID-19 became prevalent in our communities.

“We are committed to keeping you safe and comfortable when you come to us for care,” said Patrick Green, president and CEO of L+M. “We know that limiting visitors is not ideal, but it helps reduce the risk of exposure to patients and staff.

"It is imperative that we remain vigilant with the tactics that are proven to prevent spread at home, in the community and in the workplace," said Green. "We are all experiencing pandemic fatigue, but wearing a mask, social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene does have an impact on the spread of the virus. "

 Among the visitor exceptions that can be made will be for maternity patients, children who are patients, patients for whom end-of-life is imminent, NICU patients, and patients with altered mental status or developmental delays. The no-visitor policy also applies to the Emergency Department both at L+M and Pequot Health Center.

We understand that this can be very upsetting to both patients and family members and we ask for your patience as we go through these unprecedented times. We encourage visitors to remain closely connected to their loved ones through virtual means, including Skype, Zoom, FaceTime and/or phone.

 All visitors who receive permission to enter the hospital will be screened for evidence of illness by the staff at the front desk. Should questions arise, front desk staff will contact clinical leadership for guidance.

Visitors who are sick will not be permitted to enter the hospital; this is without exception.

Hospital operations are unaffected and all services remain open and safe for patients.  As per current protocols, patients who have an upcoming surgery or a procedure requiring general anesthesia, will receive a COVID-19 test prior to their procedure.

L+M Hospital will continue to monitor the situation and restrictions will be amended when appropriate.

 About Lawrence and Memorial
Lawrence + Memorial is a private not-for-profit, general, acute care hospital that has been serving patients since 1912. L+M is licensed for 280 beds, employs more than 2,000 people and serves 10 shoreline towns between Rhode Island and the Connecticut River, as well as the residents of Fishers Island, NY, in its primary service area. Now part of Yale New Haven Health, L+M is the only hospital in eastern Connecticut with a newborn intensive care unit. It is also the only area hospital able to perform emergency and elective angioplasty.