In response to the first confirmed case of COVID-19 for Tompkins County, Cayuga Medical Center has established visitor restrictions for the hospital and offsite facilities.
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: John Turner, Vice President, Public Relations
(607) 274-4498
Cayuga Health
Ithaca, New York
March 14, 2020, Ithaca, New York –– In light of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Tompkins County and in order to protect the safety of our patients, visitors, staff, and communities we serve Cayuga Medical Center is putting visitor restrictions in place that will begin March 15th at 3 p.m. and remain in effect until further notice. The restrictions are as follows:
- All patients, visitors, and employees entering the building will be screened.
- One visitor will be allowed per inpatient.
- You will not be allowed entry into any Cayuga Medical Center building if you are sick.
Any and all visitors, including family members, with symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath will not be allowed in patient areas to help control the spread of illnesses. Cayuga Medical Center will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, on a case-by-case basis.
We understand this will be difficult for some patients and apologize for the inconvenience. We encourage everyone to make use of technology such as phones and tablets to communicate with people outside of the hospital.
Additionally, we are aware that a number of people from the community come to the hospital to get meals, so in order to protect our staff and patients, our Garden Café, Express Cafe, and East Campus Café will no longer be open to the general public until further notice. We again apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health (CH) has two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates. Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,200 employees. CHS is clinically linked to Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester Regional Health for cardiac services, Roswell Park for cancer services, and the University of Rochester for neurosciences. It has also teamed up with Family Health Network of Central New York to enhance care in the region.
About Cayuga Medical Center
Cayuga Medical Center [CMC] is a not-for-profit, acute-care medical center bringing state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services to the residents of Tompkins, Cortland, Seneca, and Tioga counties. CMC houses over 200 beds and employs 1,200 health-care professionals and has a medical staff of 200 affiliated physicians.
what our patients are saying
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
