July 23, 2004

Countdown to the Democratic National Convention

With only a few more days until the Democratic National Convention (DNC) comes to Boston – July 26 to 29 – the MGH community is ready for any convention-related activities that may affect the hospital. From the expected road closures, to the changes in traffic and public transportation, to the influx of delegates, visitors and protesters to the area, the MGH community has planned well in anticipation of these events.

"We've been planning for the arrival of the DNC – both internally and with outside agencies – for months, and I believe we are as prepared as we can be for anything that might affect the hospital's main campus and our satellite areas," says Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police, Security and Outside Services and chair of the hospitalwide DNC planning committee. "While we can't possibly anticipate all activities or issues related to the convention, I am confident that our employees, staff and volunteers are able to handle any situation that may arise."

Below are a few reminders for preparing for the DNC.

Information resources

For the latest updates on traffic conditions, visit www.smartraveler.com or call (617) 374-1234 or *1 on a mobile phone.

The DNC host website at www.boston04.com gives detailed information about the convention.

Mayor Thomas Menino has established a DNC Hotline at (617) 635-2004 to help answer questions and address concerns about transportation, road closures and city services.

The hospital has a designated DNC website at www2.massgeneral.org/dnc with the most up-to-date information about MGH plans during the convention and best commuting routes to and from the hospital.

The hospital also will have a designated DNC phone line to answer questions about transportation, parking, patient access and other issues related to the DNC. The phone number is (617) 726-2222 and will be staffed July 26 to 29, from 7 am to 8 pm.

Public transportation, traffic and Partners shuttle information

Remember that there may be delays in traffic and on public transportation getting to and from the hospital. Planning ahead and allowing more travel time is advised.

The MGH recommends taking public transportation to the hospital if possible. Remember to check the MBTA's website to find the best subway line to take to the hospital and to verify any schedule changes. The website is located at ww.mbta.com.

North Station will be closing the evening of July 23 and will remain closed until July 30. The final departure times for commuter rail trains leaving North Station July 23 are as follows: Haverhill, 6:55 pm; Reading, 7:10 pm; Rockport, 8 pm; Newburyport, 7:30 pm; Beverly, 8 pm; Fitchburg/South Acton, 7:35 pm; and Lowell, 7:30 pm.

The Partners shuttle service will be replacing the North Station shuttle stop with service to and from the Sullivan Square MBTA Station where commuters can board the Orange Line. For a complete list of the Partners shuttle schedules, visit the hospital's DNC website.

For those who need to drive to the MGH, visit the hospital's DNC website for alternate driving routes and for reverse directions from the hospital. Information about parking also is available on the website and on Page 3 of this issue of Hotline.

Water shuttle transportation service will continue from Hingham and Hull to Boston (Rowes Wharf) during convention week.

As of July 25, the MBTA will cancel the Green Line shuttle bus services connecting the Lechmere and Government Center stations during the DNC. Green line passengers from Cambridge to Boston can take a free shuttle bus to the Kendall Square station and then take the Red Line to the Charles Street/MGH station. The Green Line shuttle bus service will resume July 30.

Security

Upon arrival at the MGH main campus, patients, visitors and employees should keep in mind that security will be tighter than usual to help keep the hospital safe and secure during the convention.

MGHers are encouraged to report any suspicious people, vehicles, packages or activity that does not seem to be part of normal hospital operations to Police and Security by calling (617) 726-2121 for the main campus or (617) 726-5400 for CNY.

MGH Police and Security will have increased security patrols, additional monitoring of certain hospital areas and enhanced surveillance activities during the DNC to ensure the security of the hospital.

MGH employees and staff must wear their MGH Photo ID badges at all times during the week of the convention and must take them home and have them upon arrival to work. Employees will not be allowed access to the hospital without it.

After 6 pm each day, or earlier if the need arises, visitors will be directed to check-in stations where Security staff will call the patient care unit for verification of the patient visit. Visitors will be given badges that they must wear while on hospital property. Bags and packages may be subject to inspection at this time.

A Mass Decontamination Unit (MDU) trailer will be located at the bottom of the White Ramp in front of the main entrance, and a Boston Fire Department truck will be located on campus during the week. There is no cause for concern about these vehicles. They are available only in the event of an emergency.

All MGH employees, patients and visitors are reminded not to leave any packages, bags, backpacks or other such items unattended anywhere in the hospital. MGH Police and Security as well as other outside law enforcement agencies treat unattended items as if they were suspicious objects.

Employees are encouraged to secure their valuables and lock their areas to help minimize security risks.

If there are any protest activities around the hospital, MGH employees, patients and visitors are advised to avoid these areas.

As an added security benefit for the hospital, MGH Police and Security supervisory staff members will be participating in the activities of the Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC) that serves as the security command center for the Boston area during the DNC.

State police officers will be positioned on many streets surrounding the main campus as part of the DNC security efforts.