Memorial Medical Center makes plans to gradually resume surgical services
Memorial Medical Center (MMC) is making plans to gradually resume surgical services after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced facilities in areas that have a low, or relatively low and stable incidence of COVID-19 should be allowed to provide care for patients needing non-emergent, non-COVID-19 healthcare.
With the support of local public health and area primary care agencies, MMC is rolling out a phased plan to reopen certain surgical cases deemed appropriate by CMS and leadership at MMC. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recommends a gradual transition based on testing capacity, workforce availability and readiness.
The phased plan is as follows:
1.) Urgent and emergent cases will continue as needed.
2.) Time sensitive elective procedures may resume as soon as early May. Time sensitive elective cases are ones in which further delay of the procedure may have a negative effect on the outcome or complexity of the case. A medical team will be reviewing each case on an individual basis.
3.) Elective procedures continue to be postponed until the Wisconsin Safer at Home order is lifted.
MMC has always been committed to the health and safety of our patients and staff. To that end, MMC will:
-Establish a plan for thorough cleaning and disinfection prior to using spaces for patients with non-COVID-19 cases.
-Restrict visitors except if they are absolutely necessary for patient care.
-Facilitate social distancing by minimizing wait times, spacing chairs at least six feet apart and keep low patient volume.
– Require patients to wear a cloth face covering that can be bought or made at home if they don’t already have a surgical mask.
“Safety of our patients is our top priority, and we understand many patients have had their needed, but not essential, surgeries postponed due to the pandemic,” said MMC CEO, Jason Douglas. “MMC is working diligently with local agencies, the state, and CMS to ensure proper reopening of surgical cases can take place safely and readily.”
Patients with postponed procedures will be contacted by their healthcare provider with additional information.
