Humboldt General Hospital is resuming elective surgeries and procedures
in compliance with current medical guidelines and in concert with other
hospitals throughout the state.
The hospital had cancelled elective surgical procedures in March at the
recommendation of national physician and healthcare organizations that
worried a surge in COVID-19 patients could overwhelm medical facilities.
Physicians also backed off elective surgeries to conserve the amount of
personal protective equipment available; testing at the time also was limited.
However, Interim CEO Karen Cole said the hospital’s capacity, staffing
levels, ventilator usage and inventories of personal protective equipment
like masks and test kits now provide a great deal of confidence that elective
surgeries can begin again.
“Many of our patients have had their needed, but not essential, surgeries
postponed,” she said. “While these have not been life or death
procedures, they are important to our patients’ continued health
and well-being.”
Cole continued, “Re-opening access to care for more patients, in
an environment that is safe, is in the best interests of our patients
and our staff.”
Humboldt General Hospital Chief of Staff and General Surgeon Paul Gaulin agreed.
“We’ve always had universal safety precautions for everyone
in the hospital and operating room,” said Dr. Gaulin. “Now
with expanded and added safety procedures in place, we are confident our
patients can address their health needs before they become urgent.”
Cole noted that some of the hospital’s enhanced safety measures include
robust patient, staff and visitor screening protocols; universal masking;
and enhanced cleaning procedures.
Additionally, the hospital has expanded its COVID-19 testing capabilities
for patients who are scheduled for a treatment, procedure or surgery;
all staff also are screened twice during each shift to ensure their health.
Last week, the State of Nevada conducted a hospital-wide infection control
survey that not only resulted in no deficiencies, but drew compliments
from inspectors on the hospital’s policies and procedures for isolating
and caring for COVID-19 patients while continuing to care for medical
unit patients, perform emergency surgeries, and assist women in the births
of their new babies.
“It is safe to receive care on our campus,” said Cole. “We
are ready to welcome more patients back on-site, while remaining capable
of rapidly shifting to address a more aggressive COVID environment should
circumstances change.”
Patients may call to schedule an appointment for a surgical consult as
follows: General Surgery (775) 621-5699; Orthopedic Surgery (775) 625-3090;
Gynecological Surgery (775) 623-5222, ext. 1665; and Podiatric Surgery
(775) 621-5729.