Speare Memorial Hospital Resumes Safe, Time-Sensitive Medical Services

Speare Memorial Hospital is pleased to be able to lift restrictions on our services due to the low COVID-19 transmission rate within our community.

While the number of positive COVID-19 cases has increased recently, this is no cause for alarm.  The rise has occurred in response to the state of New Hampshire’s increase in testing sites (including one in Plymouth), easing the requirements for residents to take the test and its concentrated efforts in having residents and staff at long-term care facilities be tested. As we monitor activity in the Central NH area, it is comforting to know that our number of positive cases remain relatively stable.  

The state has given us the opportunity to begin phasing in more healthcare services. Speare is proceeding cautiously, resuming time-sensitive elective surgeries and procedures, especially for those who have delayed care since the onset of the pandemic. This includes surgeries to alleviate pain, such as gall bladder and joint replacements, and procedures to diagnose significant health issues and address problems that are making it difficult for people to function each daily.

Patients can enter Speare facilities knowing that no one takes the delivery of safe and effective healthcare more seriously than our doctors, nurses, and staff who have courageously led our institution through this crisis.

We continue to engage in vigilant infection prevention measures and have procedures in place to ensure that patients with the virus are cared for in isolation, away from other patients needing medical care. Our protocols include enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-touch, public surface areas, screening and masking of all people entering our facilities, changing patient flow to accommodate social distancing, and parking lot testing.

All surgical patients will be tested for COVID-19 in our parking lot prior to surgery, and those testing positive will need to delay surgery if possible. All care team members will continue to wear surgical masks and protective eyewear, and as other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times when caring for patients.

Our physician offices are open for in-person appointments and continue to offer telehealth services for those that meet the criteria. All patients who visit our imaging, lab, and physician offices will be screened, including a temperature check.

No one should risk their health and wellbeing by delaying medical care any longer. We strongly encourage patients with chronic health conditions to resume regular appointments to ensure optimal health.