COVID-19: How We’re Still Working for You

It feels like a whole new world since my previous blog post was published on March 16. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to grow across the United States, and here on the South Shore. Public health officials warn that the surge is coming soon.

Here's a video from Jason Tracy, MD, Chair of Emergency Medicine, who explains what the surge may look like here on the South Shore, and how South Shore Health is working to prepare.

We ask that you continue to do everything you can to help flatten the curve. Stay home. Don’t invite others into your house. If you must leave the house, practice social distancing. And wash your hands often.

The more individuals take these small steps, the bigger the difference will be for our doctors, nurses, first responders, and entire staff in the weeks ahead.

Thanks to the tireless efforts, teamwork, and dedication of our colleagues, we have made great strides in recent weeks. We have opened a drive-thru testing tent in Union Point, testing more than 800 ambulatory patients each week. I’m thankful to every colleague who dons their PPE and braves the weather to help us understand the spread of this virus.

Learn how to get a COVID-19 test.

Our incident command team continues to work around the clock. This group looks at every aspect of running our health system and determines how to use our resources to keep our community safe.

We are also so grateful for the countless ways in which our community has responded to this crisis. From donations of PPE, to offers to provide meals for our colleagues, to the charitable donations, this makes all the difference to those who bravely care for all of our patients. It means so much to them and to me.

Learn how to support our staff during COVID-19.

And make no mistake; we are still caring for all of our patients. Our primary care practices are open. We continue to answer 911 calls in Weymouth. We continue to care for trauma patients in our Emergency Department. In a recent seven-day period, South Shore Hospital still welcomed nearly 70 babies.

Learn how we’re keeping expecting families safe.

For those who receive primary or specialty care at South Shore Medical Center, we recently launched a new virtual visit option for patients. Instead of coming into the office to meet with your provider, patients have the option to have well-visits, follow-ups, and some other appointments over a secure video chat.

Learn about virtual visits at South Shore Medical Center.

We hope you and your loved ones will stay safe and healthy in the weeks ahead. Please keep an eye on the South Shore Health website, as well as our social media channels, for important updates from our team.

Rose Di Pietro is Interim President & CEO of South Shore Health.

Learn more about COVID-19.