As the nation is looking towards getting back to Better, our team of healthcare experts have
designed updated preventative measures to keep all those that enter the walls of Baylor Scott & White
Heart and Vascular Hospital in Dallas and Fort Worth safe.
COVID-19 testing of patients scheduled for in-
hospital surgeries and other patients deemed appropriate through individual case review; patient swabs
collected via convenient drive-thru locations
Virtual waiting rooms, allowing clinic patients and loved ones of hospital or
surgery center patients to receive updates about their care via calls and text messaging, minimizing time
in common areas
Virtual care options provided to patients before and after surgeries and
procedures when appropriate, simplifying the experience
Masking of patients, approved visitors and staff in hospitals, surgery centers
and clinics
Enhanced cleaning and touch-free protocols in hospitals, surgery centers and
clinics, including paperless registration
COVID-19 home monitoring digital care journey, enabled through our MyBSWHealth
app or website, to be offered to those diagnosed with COVID-19 so they can be supported by our care teams
while quarantined
Safety policies
Our patients remain our number one priority, and we are committed to keeping you safe. New policies are in
place in our hospitals in Dallas and Fort Worth, in accordance with CDC guidance and recommendations by
our clinical experts, to safeguard the health and well-being of our patients – as well as that of our
caregivers.
Mask Policy
All persons entering the building must wear a mask over their nose and mouth.
Staff members, regardless of role, will wear disposable surgical
masks.
Patients will be provided a disposable mask upon arrival to the hospital to
either augment or replace their home mask.
All visitors will be issued a mask upon arrival to the hospital.
One entry point has been designated for all patients and visitors to undergo a screening using
CDC guidelines. All approved visitors will undergo a temperature check. Those with a temperature at or
more than 99.6 degrees F will not be permitted to visit.
Modified Visitation Policy
Baylor Scott & White Health has asked for family and visitors to understand that we have
transitioned to a "no visitor" restriction upon the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and federal, state and local authorities to
protect the health and safety of patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exceptions for Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital include: one visitor over the age of
16 allowed with a patient undergoing a procedure, test or a surgery on the day of the procedure.
Additional details may be provided by scheduling or registration personnel.
Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to
a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Our updated safety plan allows for each patient’s case to be evaluated individually to determine the need
for specific safety measures. In some cases, patients may need testing for COVID-19; in other instances,
your care team may need to treat you under the assumption you are COVID-19 positive for your safety and
the safety of your care team. Caregivers will take appropriate measures following CDC guidelines.
You may prevent an emergent episode by continuing your routine appointments with your physician and
seeking treatment when appropriate. If you believe you are experiencing an emergent situation, call 9-1-1
immediately.
Symptoms of a heart attack include:
Chest discomfort
Discomfort in one or both arms
Shortness of breath
Back, neck, jaw or stomach discomfort
Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Appointment options
You may have put seeking treatment for your health conditions on hold. Whether you are in need of a
procedure or a routine visit with your cardiologist, it is important you don’t delay. We want you to have
peace of mind when scheduling your hospital appointment – and we are here to help.
In addition to our safety policies in place, you can learn more about our COVID-19 Safe Care plan, contact
Scheduling about any questions you may have for your upcoming appointment and seek virtual care during
your clinic visit with a Baylor Scott & White HealthTexas Provider Network physician through the
MyBSWHealth app.
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