South Shore Home, Life & Style- South Shore Health Update July 2020

This spring, many area hospitals, including South Shore Health, temporarily suspended many non-urgent medical services in order to effectively prepare for and manage the COVID-19 surge in our area. In early June, South Shore Health began the safe resumption of halted services in compliance with Governor Baker’s re-opening plan. While COVID-19 cases continue to trend in a positive direction in Massachusetts, Todd Ellerin, MD, Director of Infectious Disease at South Shore Health, urges residents to remain vigilant and adhere to distancing and masking recommendations put in place to keep residents healthy.

Even as the region continues to battle COVID-19, South Shore Health is envisioning the future of health and wellness on the South Shore, always innovating and paving the way for world-class, patient-centered care close to home.

In February, South Shore Health launched the state’s first, hospital-based Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. MIH provides crucial care to patients in their homes and other community settings. This delivery model enhances the patient experience for those managing chronic conditions, including chronic behavioral health issues, and those needing post-discharge follow-up care. Learn more about the MIH program in our area.

In June, South Shore Health became the third hospital in the world to enroll a patient in a clinical trial for baricitinib, a potential COVID-19 treatment. Dr. Ellerin, a trusted local and national voice during the pandemic, is the principal investigator assigned to the study that is being sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company. South Shore Health, though not an academic hospital, does employ an Office of Research that has been active in valuable clinical trials and observational research for decades. For more information on South Shore Health’s Office of Research, please visit SouthShoreHealth.org/About-Us/Clinical-Research.

Obstetrics Emergency Department, first in Massachusetts, debuts in July. Located in the birthing unit at South Shore Hospital, a dedicated ED for pregnancy-related complications and emergencies, is now operational. The OB ED will serve women at or beyond 20 weeks gestation, and will provide 24-hour care, 365 days per year.

In addition, as we continue to navigate life during a pandemic, please don’t delay urgent or routine medical care. All South Shore Health facilities are and following comprehensive guidelines to keep patients and healthcare staff safe. Increased cleaning, patient and employee health screenings, required masking, and visitor restrictions are just some of the precautions being taken.

Know your care delivery options. Virtual and in-home care have proved effective during the pandemic and as the future of healthcare takes shape, they will likely continue to be relied on when appropriate. Virtual visits, or telehealth, are available for primary care, specialist, and pediatric visits. Learn more about virtual visits.

Drive-thru COVID-19 testing has moved to South Shore Medical Center’s Norwell location. Testing is by appointment only and limited to those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms; close contacts of confirmed COVID+ cases; asymptomatic South Shore Health patients preparing for an upcoming surgical procedure or scheduled birth; and those requiring “return to work” testing documentation. Additional information can be found here. To be screened for a COVID-19 test, call 781-681-0365.

Regular updates on Health System operations and COVID -19 response are posted on our blog and via the following social media channels:

South Shore Health blog: https://www.SouthShoreHealth.org/wellness/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthShoreHealthMA/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southshorehealth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/southshorehosp

And if you are in a position to donate to ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts, please click here. During this time of great need, philanthropic donations help us to protect health professionals on the front lines and serve the needs of our patient community while adapting to a new normal.