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Lynn Health Center to cancel some appointments, increase screenings for coronavirus
By Steve Krause | March 16, 2020
LYNN — The Lynn Community Health Center will cancel some non-urgent or routine appointments and put those patients on a priority recall list once the COVID-19 threat has subsided substantially, the organization announced in a news release Saturday.
The move was announced to limit crowding, as well as to free up capacity in its system in anticipation of an increase in sick patients.
“The safety of our patients, our staff, and our community is our highest priority, the release read. “Please keep in mind this situation is evolving rapidly so we cannot predict right now how soon that will be.
“We will soon be offering visits over the telephone and will do our best to meet your needs.”
There will be screening at LCHC Main Site — 269 Union St. — beginning today. All patients and visitors arriving at the main entrance will be screened for symptoms and risk for coronavirus.
This includes those coming for dental, enrollment, and laboratory and radiology services.
All patients and visitors to this location should check in through the entrance at 269 Union Street. Those patients and visitors who arrive at the Blake Street entrance will be redirected to the Union Street entrance.
Patients and visitors will be asked about recent travel, exposure to someone with coronavirus, and whether they have a cough or fever.
Those who screen in for possible coronavirus symptoms or exposure will be seen separately from patients who do not.
“Please keep in mind that at this time testing supplies are limited, and we are testing only those patients who screen in for criteria determined by (the Department of Public Health,” the release said. “As testing supplies become more widely available, we will be able to offer more testing.”
LCHC has updated its visitor policy to reflect efforts to limit crowding. They are:
limit of one visitor per patient
visitors will be screened for symptoms consistent with coronavirus, such as fever, cough or sore throat. Any visitor with obvious signs of illness will be directed to the appropriate area for evaluation and treatment or asked to see their own primary care provider.
visitors under the age of 18 are strongly discouraged during this time, as children may be potential carriers of coronavirus without necessarily being ill themselves.
“We recognize the valuable role that family members and visitors play during a medical visit and appreciate that these restrictions may cause challenges for our patients and their families,” the statement said.
The LCHC school-based health centers will be closed as long as the Lynn Public Schools are closed. School-based patients should call 781-581-3900 if they need to speak with their provider.
“This situation is changing every day, and the health center is working diligently to adjust our work so that we can safely and effectively take care of our community,” the statement said. “Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prepare ourselves to best take care of you and your families.”