VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System

Situation Update

As of Friday, March 26, 2021 9:18 AM EDT

DATE:  November 20, 2020
FROM:  Executive Director
SUBJECT:  VANEOHS COVID-19 Status
TO:  VANEOHS Employees, Veterans, Contractors & Visitors

ACCESS:

• Access to VANEOHS facilities is limited to on-duty employees, Veterans with a scheduled appointment or those going to the emergency room, and approved visitors and contractors.
• Access is limited to one main entrance for all facilities with the exception of an employee entrance for the Cleveland VA Medical Center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Cleveland VA Medical Center’s CARES Tower entrances are closed.
• The Cleveland VA Medical Center’s Emergency Department entrance is for ambulance and patient drop-off only.
• Persons entering/re-entering facilities consent to medical screening by staff. Refusal of consent to the medical screening is basis for denial of admittance. 
• Non-healthcare masks are required upon entering facilities.

VISITATION:

• Visitors who screen positive for COVID-19 symptoms or exposures will not be allowed.
• Visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed.
• No Visitors for long term care residential units and those in CARES Tower, except in a compassionate care situation as deemed appropriate by the Veteran’s medical team. If deemed appropriate by the medical team, no more than two (2) visitors per-patient at a time.
• No visitation for acute inpatients except for in a compassionate care situation.
• Visitation is not allowed for COVID-19 Positive patients. Virtual methods of communication will be offered.    
• For outpatient appointments and outpatient procedures companions are encouraged to remain in their vehicles or outside the building for the duration of the Veteran’s appointment/procedure. Attempts will be made to connect companions to the appointment remotely through video or phone. If the Veteran requires a companion’s assistance, one (1) companion will be allowed access to the building after passing screening but will not be able to go into the treatment room or to the patient room/floor unless clinically indicated and necessary.

DELIVERIES:

• Deliveries of essential items are permissible for inpatients.  Nursing units will be responsible for coordinating pick-up of these items with the family and wiping down electronic devices prior to delivering to patients.

Jill K. Dietrich, JD, MBA, FACHE
Executive Director