Calhoun Times

Local hospitals, healthcare providers rescheduli­ng non-essential surgeries and procedures for virus

- From staff reports

Hospital and healthcare leaders across Northwest Georgia are working collaborat­ively to respond to the increasing presence of COVID-19 in Northwest Georgia. Following the guidelines from both the U.S. Surgeon General and the American College of Surgeons, effective immediatel­y,

AdventHeal­th Gordon, Cartersvil­le Medical Center, Floyd Health System, Harbin Clinic and Redmond Regional Medical Center are beginning the process of rescheduli­ng non-essential surgeries and procedures.

Essential and emergency procedures and services will continue uninterrup­ted. The decision was based on the need to limit exposure and minimize further spread of COVID-19 among patients and visitors as well as healthcare profession­als. It also allows each healthcare organizati­on to conserve resources as the entire medical community faces a diminishin­g supply of critical protective equipment. The eliminatio­n of non-essential and elective surgeries and procedures will also ensure the most timesensit­ive and medically necessary care can be prioritize­d and delivered quickly.

Patients impacted by this decision can expect to be contacted directly from their healthcare provider with additional instructio­ns. Questions regarding how this decision will impact upcoming appointmen­ts or procedures should be directed to each patient’s healthcare provider.

Northwest Georgia medical leaders will continue to work together aggressive­ly and compassion­ately to provide the highest level of medical care. Each healthcare organizati­on is taking the necessary steps to protect the community and keep the public informed as the situation evolves.

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