St. Claire HealthCare Postpones Certain Elective Surgical Procedures

St. Claire HealthCare (SCH) continues to take appropriate steps to prepare for the possible surge of patients experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. This latest announcement, in response to Governor Andy Beshear’s urge that hospitals postpone elective procedures, will provide additional flexibility to reallocate staff and resources to care for patients where they’re most needed.

“We are absolutely going to continue to provide the medical care our patients need,” said Will Melahn, MD, SCH’s Chief Medical Officer. “All emergent surgical cases including the immediate threat of loss of life, limb, organ, or permanent disability, will continue without delay.”

Certain elective surgeries, however, which include procedures that could safely be delayed for at least 30 days, will not be scheduled until further notice. Any patient in that category scheduled on or after March 19 has been notified that their procedure has been postponed.

SCH has adopted new guidelines for reviewing cases. Those cases will be reviewed by SCH’s Surgical Governance Group under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer and Physician Chief of Surgery.

“This group of physicians will analyze each situation on a case by case basis and make careful determinations on which surgeries can be safely postponed,” Melahn added.

If you have questions about a surgical procedure you had planned at St. Claire HealthCare, please contact your healthcare provider’s office for more information. For questions related to COVID-19, please call the Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline at 800-722-5725 or visit www.kycovid19.ky.gov.