COVID-19 Safe Care

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.

Baylor Scott & White’s COVID-19 Safe Care plan includes:

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.

Mask wearing 101

Screening at Entry Points

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 one visitor per patient restriction upon the guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and federal, state and local authorities to protect the health and safety risk of patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Any approved visitor must be 16 years of age or older. Approved exceptions must pass a health screening at entrance. Additional details may be provided by scheduling or registration personnel. Upon arrival, patients and visitors will be screened using CDC guidelines.

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.

Hand hygiene 101

Your procedure

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.

Questions about upcoming appointment Virtual care on MyBSWHealth Call 888.4.BSWSAFE