UTICA, N.Y. – Mohawk Valley Health System has developed a ‘Safe Path to Surgery,’ with new procedures to help keep patients safe since resuming elective surgeries on March 8.

“We want to let people know that as they re-enter this process and we know that people have procedures that they need to have done they may be delaying they may be afraid to come back in; however, we are aware of that we know there's a need we want people to feel safe as they come back in,” said Melany Rookstool, chief of anesthesia at St. Luke’s Hospital.

MVHS’s Safe Path measures include:

• A new and private pathway for surgery/procedure patients which includes a private entrance and escort directly to the patient’s room. These patients will be screened and have their temperatures taken at the door and will then be taken directly to their room for registration.
• All patients will be tested for COVID-19 at the MVHS drive-through testing site on Burrstone Road no more than three days prior to surgery. These tests will be sent to the Mayo Clinic with results coming back in 24 to 48 hours. If for some reason the results are not available prior to surgery, rapid testing is available (but in limited supply).
• Per state guidelines, MVHS has a no visitor policy in place throughout the system to protect patients, residents and staff from COVID-19. Surgery staff will call a patient’s point of contact prior to and after surgery to give an update. Also, patients will be able to video chat or call loved ones once they are cleared to do so after surgery.
• Using dedicated staff for these areas to ensure staff members haven’t also taken care of suspected or positive COVID-19 patients.