Washington halts elective surgeries, dentistry, other procedures to free coronavirus gear
Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday ordered a halt to elective surgeries and dental services, saying the state must make sure that health care workers have enough protective equipment to work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s proclamation applies to any non-urgent procedure that requires medical professionals to wear personal protective equipment and covers hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices. Inslee’s proclamation makes clear that the restrictions do not apply to treatment for patients with emergency and urgent needs.
There are other exceptions too, such as if delaying the elective surgery would cause harm to the patient within the next three months.
“We know the health care personal protective equipment supply chain in Washington has been severely disrupted by the significant increased use of such equipment worldwide,” Inslee said. “We will do all we can to protect the women and men who protect us.”
Banned procedures include but are not limited to most joint replacements, most cataract and lens surgeries, non-urgent cardiac procedures, cosmetic procedures, some endoscopy and some interventional radiology services.
The governor’s office said the order does not apply to patients with heart attacks, strokes or motor vehicle accidents. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers may perform surgery as long as a delay or cancellation would worsen the patient’s condition. For example, the prohibition would not apply to a patient who needs a serious cancerous tumor removed, or a patient who needs their dentist to relieve pain or manage an infection.
Another exception is the “full suite of family planning services and procedures,” according to the proclamation.
On Twitter, Jennifer M. Allen, chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii, thanked Inslee for “recognizing that reproductive health care including abortion is care that can’t wait, and for making sure it WILL continue to be available.”
Inslee encourages ambulatory surgery centers to work with their local hospitals and assist with surge capacity needs.
“We’ve come together to make intense sacrifices over the past week or two,” Inslee said. “And I thank all of you for what you’re doing. Today’s crucial announcement is another way we can protect the health of our communities and families, and slow the spread of this virus so our health care systems have a fighting chance to catch up and continue keeping us healthy.”
The Washington State Hospital Association worked closely with state officials to recommend protocols for canceling non-urgent procedures. The hospital trade group said it was pleased by Inslee’s decision to use his authority to conserve personal protective equipment for health care providers.
“Supplies are dangerously low in the state, and many hospitals are reporting only days of supplies left,” said hospital association spokesman Tim Pfarr. “By halting non-urgent procedures that require these in-demand supplies in all health care facilities, not just hospitals, we can ensure that our health care system has as many resources as possible to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 3:39 PM.