INDIANAPOLIS — Community Health Network hospitals are postponing all "elective" surgeries for the time being as they work to limit the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
"Among the many challenges all healthcare providers are trying to navigate is the issue of elective surgery, which has been identified as one area where we can limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the hospital said in a release sent out Monday morning. "The advice of sources such as the CDC, state government agencies, and US Surgeon General is to limit elective surgery. Additionally, we have been urged to reduce the use of vital resources (including blood products, critical equipment and staff) in preparation for the expected influx of COVID-19 patients."
Based on that information, Community Health Network Hospitals and Surgery/Endoscopy Centers have decided to postpone all elective procedures unless the physician, in consultation with the site Medical Director, determines that the patient's life is in danger in the next 30 days if they do not receive it. Emergency cases are not included in this directive.
"We are committed to assuring that our most vulnerable surgical patients receive appropriate surgical interventions during this time," the hospital said.
