At UC Health, we lead the region in scientific discoveries and embrace a spirit of purpose – offering our patients and their families something beyond everyday healthcare. At UC Health, we offer hope.
Responsible Return
We are open. We are safe. We are prepared.
For questions, contact your UC Health provider, or give us a call.
Because of our collective efforts — staying home when possible, maintaining social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene — Greater Cincinnati “flattened the curve.” This means that we did not see a surge of patients with COVID-19 as originally expected. Now, following the guidance of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the CDC, we are gradually resuming in-person care that was postponed. Please know that our hospitals have remained open during this pandemic for medically necessary and emergency care.
Emergency Department Care
We are here for you during times of uncertainty.
Same Safe Care
Whether or not you have symptoms of COVID-19, our Emergency Departments are still the safest places to get the critical care you need. UC Health takes all the necessary precautions to keep you protected, including requiring all patients, visitors and caregivers to wear a mask.
COVID-19 Symptoms? Call Your Provider
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 but do not have life-threatening symptoms, please first call your provider for instructions. They may tell you to stay home.
Don’t Delay Any Emergency
If you have possibly life-threatening symptoms of other illnesses such as chest discomfort, signs of a stroke, severe weakness or believe you are having any medical emergency, please call 911.
Your Health is Essential
While we delayed some non-emergent care to help flatten the curve, your health is always essential. Our locations are taking every precaution to create safe, healing environments, and we’re offering virtual ways to connect. Don’t delay seeking the care you or your family need.
Your Safety Is Our Top Priority
Now that we are rescheduling postponed procedures and surgeries, we have gone the extra mile to make our patients and employees safer than ever. Here are some safety precautions you’ll see at our locations.
Social Distance Signage
You may see floor signs placed 6 feet apart to show where to stand in line. In waiting rooms, we may rearrange or remove furniture, or place signs on chairs to prevent people from sitting too close.
Mask Requirement
We require all employees, patients and visitors to wear masks to keep each other safe. We also screen all patients and visitors as they enter our buildings for any symptoms or possible exposures.
Car-Side Waiting
To help limit the number of people at some facilities, we’re asking patients to wait in their cars until notified via call/text to enter the building, where they’ll go directly into their exam room.
Limited Staff
We’re thoughtfully scheduling our staff to ensure we have the resources to provide world-class care, while also limiting the number of separate interactions between clinicians and patients.
Continued Cleaning Protocols
In order to keep your environment safe, we continue to properly clean and sanitize spaces and equipment after each patient encounter per CDC guidelines.
Limited Service Offerings
We will have limited services available, especially in areas where people can gather and may not be able to practice proper social distancing.
COVID-19 Restrictions
Why were these put in place?
Our hospitals and healthcare facilities have always been clean and safe. When we postponed elective procedures and surgeries, it was to ensure we would have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) in the event of a surge — not because our hospitals were unsafe.
What To Expect
Our best and brightest leaders are working together to prioritize the needs and safety of our patients, their families and our employees during your in-person care at UC Health.
You are required to wear a mask while in our locations. You are welcome to bring your own mask - both surgical and homemade masks are permitted. Your mask should cover your nose, mouth and chin.
If you do not have a mask, you will be given one during the screening process at the entrance to each location.
At a minimum, all employees are required to wear a simple mask while in a UC Health location. All caregivers are required to wear face shields in addition to simple masks while they are seeing patients.
Depending on your type of care, your providers may wear other kinds of PPE. Please contact your provider with any questions.
All patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to scheduled appointments, whether by phone, online or in-person. At entrances, our staff are screening all patients, visitors and employees.
You may be asked to reschedule your appointment.
If you are undergoing a procedure or surgery, your provider may schedule an appointment for you to be tested at UC Health. Contact your provider for more information.
We may reschedule your appointment and will follow up with you once you are negative. Your provider will work directly with you if your test comes back positive.
At this time, UC Health is allowing one visitor per patient per day at UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital and at the Long-Term Acute Care units at Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care. Outpatient and ambulatory clinics are allowing no more than one visitor, with exceptions given to parents with no alternative childcare and to legal guardians. We are not allowing visitors to our Skilled Nursing Facility at Daniel Drake Center at this time. Click here to learn more.
In addition to wearing a mask at all times, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoid touching your face, maintain at least 6 feet between you and others where possible.
If you have any questions about when your appointment, procedure or surgery may be scheduled, please contact your provider directly through phone or My UC Health (MyChart).
For other general questions, please call 513-475-8000.