You may be wary of emergency rooms right now because you are afraid you will catch COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Be assured that we have a number of procedures in place to reduce any risks of infection and ensure that you are safe. You will put yourself at greater risk of serious medical complications if you don’t seek care during an emergency. The choice to ignore symptoms of serious disease, such as stroke or heart attacks, is a far more deadly one to make.
Do not delay seeking medical attention if you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as chest pains, slurred speech or a seizure. Call 9-1-1 immediately or go directly to the emergency department. Our Emergency Departments are fully staffed and ready to take care of you. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital runs emergency departments at the main campus in New London and at the Pequot Health Center. Westerly Hospital offers a full service emergency medical center at the main campus.
Our emergency department teams are well trained and equipped to protect you and themselves. They use an array of personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep you and others safe. We use an advanced cleaning and disinfection process on all medical equipment, highly touched surfaces and frequently trafficked areas.
We also are keeping patients who may have COVID-19 away from those with other health problems. Upon arrival at the ED, we ask people about their exposure risk and symptoms, and take their temperature to screen for fever. Anyone who has tested positive for the disease, or who is suspected of having it, is cared for in a separate area of the emergency room.
When your child needs emergency care, rest assured that they will have access to specialized, expert care. Our Pediatric Emergency Program at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital features shorter wait times and a family-friendly environment, both of which help to reduce family stress in a time of crises.
Our urgent/walk-in care centers deliver prompt medical care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. Working with Northeast Medical Group, we have walk-in care centers in New London, Niantic and Stonington that are open and ready to treat you for non-life threatening conditions such as minor fracture, burns and minor eye injuries. We bring urgent care to our communities in Groton and Norwich.
If you aren’t sure what conditions can be treated at urgent care, this additional information can help you make your decision.
Yale New Haven Health's 24/7 Virtual Care provides you with video access to clinicians for minor medical concerns. Think of 24/7 Virtual Care as an urgent care visit you make from your mobile device. Learn more and schedule a visit.
