FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center (CEOC)
DATE: January 26, 2021
TITLE: Resumption of elective/non-emergency surgical procedures
Ballad Health’s surgery sub-committee – consisting of physicians and leaders from throughout our system, representing a depth of specialties, markets and expertise – has worked tirelessly to prepare our system to restart performing elective and non-emergent surgical procedures.
This committee has made recommendations to resume elective surgeries at Ballad Health facilities, with some procedures able to be scheduled for Monday, Feb. 1. The decision to resume procedures was made so we can resume regular Ballad Health operations to the fullest possible extent, while still safeguarding our communities against the continued coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
Ballad Health is currently in an enviable position for many health systems, as the Appalachian Highlands has sustained a reduction in new COVID-19 cases. Some of this reduction can be attributed directly to our aggressive physical distancing and restriction efforts – and while we know this has been difficult, we thank you all for your cooperation and support.
Surgical scheduling
During this time, we will carefully phase in new surgery cases. Each facility’s operating room director/manager will work with their facility leadership team, including Chiefs of Surgery, Section Chiefs, etc. to determine the number and type of cases to be scheduled. Operating room schedulers will then work with their respective surgical practices to schedule cases.
We will increase our outpatient elective procedures over the coming weeks, ensuring our personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies remain adequate, we have enough staffing and our hospitals remain capable of performing surgeries while also being well-prepared in case of another COVID-19 patient surge. Leaders will also work with surgeons to develop plans to work through backlogged surgical cases as expeditiously as is practical given the availability of staffing and other resources.
It is anticipated that the reintroduction of elective surgical cases will progress along a path which includes three phases:
- Phase 1 – Patient cases which require no overnight stay.
- Phase 2 – Cases in which the patient is expected to require 23-hour overnight stay
- Phase 3 – Cases in which the patient will be admitted as an inpatient with an anticipated stay of two nights or longer.
Phase 1 cases will be reintroduced beginning on Monday, Feb. 1. Based upon the availability of resources and the recommendations of facility leadership, including physicians, CEOC will approve movement to subsequent phases.
Continued evaluation
Ballad Health will continue to monitor this situation to ensure we’re meeting our patients’ and providers’ needs while also gradually but significantly increasing our volumes. We also have a compliance monitor in place to ensure national, state and local recommendations are being followed.
Thank you for your cooperation during this time. The decision to temporarily suspend elective and non-emergent surgical procedures for the second time during this pandemic was difficult, but it undoubtedly protected many patients, team members and physicians – setting them up for successful procedures now.
Questions regarding cardiac catheterizations should be directed to Lori Jackson (Lori.Jackson@balladhealth.org) and inquiries regarding interventional radiology or diagnostic imaging should be directed to Judy Mason (Judy.Mason@balladhealth.org).
