SMH Resuming Surgeries & Procedures June 15
[New Tecumseth, ON – June 11, 2020] Staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) have been diligently planning the resumption of surgeries and procedures over the past few weeks, with a goal to safely ramp-up services. Effective June 15th, elective surgeries will recommence at SMH.
“The Surgical Department at SMH is excited to offer its services again to community members who have been so patient over the last few months,” says Dr. Syndie Singer, Chief of Surgery, SMH. “We look forward to getting back to helping our community and doing what we love to do. We are optimistic that we can slowly and safely begin working through the backlog of cases that have been delayed due to COVID-19”.
There are currently just under 200 patients who are waiting to have their surgical procedures rescheduled due to the pandemic.
SMH will be operating by following the strict criteria established by the province that includes an appropriate supply of protective equipment, medication, staff and community services to care for recovering patients, and occupancy rates at 85 per cent or less.
“We are very happy to be able to ramp up surgical services here at SMH, but we also want to ensure that we are doing so safely,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO, SMH. “I ask the public to please be patient as we slowly start to open up appointments again for elective surgeries.”
Since mid-March, almost 100 surgeries have been performed for emergency cases only. Pre-COVID-19, SMH was performing almost 300 surgeries per month.
Patients awaiting surgery will be contacted by their physician’s office to be advised of their appointment date.
Information regarding preparing for surgeries will be provided to patients in advance of their procedure.
