Health officials: Postpone all non-emergency surgery amid coronavirus outbreak
The director of the local health department has asked health care providers to forgo elective surgeries to preserve medical supplies and keep staff focused on the current coronavirus outbreak.
“There is a shortage (of medical supplies) statewide, and people need to conserve what we have,” Dr. Anthony Chen told the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department board members on Monday in an emergency meeting.
Chen added he hopes dentist offices also will avoid any procedures that could be put off. Chen said he believes the move also would limit potential transmission of the virus.
The CHI Franciscan health system already has compiled. The system, of which St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma and St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor are a part, announced Wednesday that all elective surgeries and non-urgent procedures have been put off.
“This is to ensure our facilities maintain adequate staff and resource capacity to serve our communities, including providing care for those with COVID-19, as well as other serious medical conditions that require immediate care,” a CHI Franciscan statement said.
MultiCare, another local hospital chain, has not responded to requests for comment. In a webpage dedicated to COVID-19, it recommends appointments continue as scheduled. All non-emergent surgeries have been postponed, the resource page said.
The Washington Department of Health asks the public to postpone appointments at all health care facilities.
“We have a worldwide shortage of the masks, gowns, and gloves that keep health care safe for us and for our health care providers,” a blog post on Wednesday from DOH said. “We are also facing a crisis in which we may not have enough space in our hospitals, nor lifesaving equipment like ventilators available for people who need them.”
But, the state agency wants parents to keep well-child check-ups and immunization appointments.
