As COVID-19 cases rise, Manatee Memorial Hospital once again halts elective surgeries
A rise in local cases of the novel coronavirus has led to Manatee Memorial Hospital putting a pause on elective surgeries.
The new policy takes effect Monday. According to a release, surgeries or procedures that aren’t a matter of life and death will be canceled or rescheduled. Those affected will be contacted by the hospital.
“Due to the significant increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the area, we have made the decision to postpone elective procedures to a future date,” Kevin DiLallo, CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital, said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald. “We will continue to monitor this on a week-by-week basis.”
Elective surgeries were first put on hold in March as part of a statewide order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis. At the beginning of May, Manatee Memorial began rescheduling surgeries and procedures, with emphasis on “a safe, quality experience for patients where they can feel protected during their hospitalization.”
Since then, about 6,000 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Manatee County. In recent weeks, local hospitals have modified their visitation rules to continue protecting staff and patients during the pandemic.
For more information, visit www.ManateeMemorial.com.
