Intermountain Healthcare may postpone elective surgeries

MURRAY — Intermountain Healthcare announced its hospitals may postpone elective surgeries in an effort to devote resources to treating COVID-19 patients.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Intermountain said the move comes as part of the surge plan they developed at the start of the outbreak.

"As surge plans are activated at Intermountain hospitals in response to rising cases, some surgeries that require an inpatient admission after surgery but can be safely postponed may be delayed. This will free up space and beds, preserve supplies, and free up caregivers to treat COVID-19 and non-COVID patients who need health services," the statement said.

Affected patients will be directly notified, according to the company, and have their postponed surgeries rescheduled.

The change does not apply to emergency or urgent care needs.

"Our intent is to continue to provide surgical care where possible and make adjustments as needed as our resources get stressed," said Dr. Rob Ferguson, senior medical director of surgical operations at Intermountain. "Rather than introduce a blanket postponement of cases like we did in the spring, we have a fine-tuned process at each hospital that allows us greater precision in balancing the surgical needs of our patients with the resources available at each hospital."

Ferguson said a drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations will result in a resumption of normal operations.

In the statement, Intermountain urged Utahns to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands, and staying home when sick.

"Utahns are also asked to limit family gatherings for Thanksgiving to those living in their immediate household," the statement said.

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