MEDIA ADVISORY
Stony Brook Medicine Media Contact: Kali Chan
Email: Kali.Chan@stonybrookmedicine.edu
Cell Phone: 631.487.4092
SBUH Visitor Policy Update
Action taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Due to increasing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Stony Brook Medicine is adapting its policies and procedures with the goal of keeping patients, families and staff safe. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has revised visitor policies. Effective March 13, 2020, patient visitation will not be permitted until further notice. Patients and family members are encouraged to communicate using the bedside phone, mobile phone, FaceTime, Skype or any other technological device to help connect during this time. For patients who are unable to communicate with their families due to their medical condition, we will communicate with their healthcare proxy to keep them informed and provide an update about their loved ones care.
While we understand the important role that family members and visitors play in a patient’s healing process, this is a necessary step we need to take at this time for our adult units. There are exceptions in Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Maternity and NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and on a case by case basis.
For those who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms and seek care at Stony Brook University Hospital, the guidance is to drive up to the Emergency Department — do not exit the vehicle — and a staff member will greet the patient, screen for symptoms, and provide advice as to next steps.
Stony Brook Medicine’s top priority is keeping patients, staff, visitors and the community safe. The medical staff is highly trained at screening for and managing infectious diseases to limit the spread of a virus. That said, in response to the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Stony Brook is prepared, should the need arise, to treat COVID-19 patients, following CDC and New York State Department of Health guidelines including recommended isolation and infection control procedures.
For Coronavirus information and updates, visit: stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/coronavirus.
About Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) is Long Island’s premier academic medical center. With 624 beds, SBUH serves as the region’s only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center, and is home to the Stony Brook University Heart Institute, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute. SBUH also encompasses Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center, state-designated AIDS Center, state-designated Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, state-designated Burn Center, the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, and Kidney Transplant Center. It is home of the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. To learn more, visit stonybrookmedicine.edu/sbuh.
My granddaughter had her first baby last January 13,2020. Kingston weighted 1pd 10ozs. Our baby boy fought like a warrior for 31 days until his tiny body couldn’t take anymore. My granddaughter was so loving to her baby. At 20 yrs old she was there for her son morning,noon and night. Constantly calling and asking questions on her son. The NICU nurses were awesome. Most doctors great but there was one whom our family didn’t like. Kingston was born at 25wks. His father also always there for my granddaughter and the baby. The day Kingston passed away his parents received a call saying Kingston was very ill and he was suffering. His parents rushed to SBM. It was about 6am. Her mom, myself and her stepdad went to hospital around 8am. Our family is very close. My 2 sisters there my niece and nephew. My sister who is next to me was in her car traveling from Virginia with her 3 kids and my 83yr old mother. When I got to hospital I saw my first great grandson. His little belly distended and red. His nurse Stacy came to us all explaining that King was extremely ill The staff was excellent. They made sure his parents were educated on Kingston health. They allowed his parents alone time and sent family into room with snacks. It was literally the worst day of my life. I’m so close to my granddaughter. I call myself her biggest fan. When Dominique was ready to let her baby boy go she walked in from bathroom into his room and said Stacy I’m ready. Stacy RN hugged Dominique and disconnected his lines/tubes. Once he took his last breath the Doctor was called. He promptly checked Kingston for any signs of life. Dominique holding her son Triston crying. My nephew comforting him. Those two parents were so loving. Staff was excellent and his parents advised on everything that dealt with Kingston. I still can’t grasp my mind around my grandchild losing her baby boy.Just wanted to say although outcome wasn’t great. The staff made sure Dominique and Triston were taken care of. Now 15 months later my only child is having her 4th child. At 40 she’s high risk. She had a major stroke at age 34 and suffers from HBP. She will be delivering at SBM. Dominique and myself will be front and center throughout the process. I tell people that Kingston sent our family this new baby boy bc Kingston couldn’t be with us any longer. I’m sure all the staff will be just as great when my daughter gives birth. Thanks to all involved.