The omicron COVID surge has led to an increased number of positive cases in the region. As predicted, local communities saw a sharp rise in the number of people who needed inpatient hospital care, followed by a decline in the number of patients admitted, a trend that will likely continue in the upcoming weeks. Because of the tireless work of our physicians, nurses and caregivers, ThedaCare can safely manage our communities’ COVID-19 cases and is in a position to begin resuming non-urgent elective surgeries, which where paused on Monday, Jan. 17.
“Resuming non-urgent, elective surgeries that were previously deferred is a positive step forward as we continue to care for a significant number of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals,” said Dr. Michael Hooker, ThedaCare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer-Acute Care. “We are grateful for the purposeful planning, and rapid response from our teams, that allows us the ability to reintroduce services and provide safe access to care for our patients.”
Surgery teams and providers will continue to evaluate procedures on a case-by-case basis. ThedaCare will monitor the situation and adjust surgery plans to best meet the needs of those served.
To help ensure safe care for communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure to COVID-19, ThedaCare has implemented the following safety pre-cautions:
•All surgery patients will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the procedure.
•Screeners will continue to be present at all ThedaCare hospitals, checking patients, visitors and team members upon entrance.
•Masks will continue to be required by all team members, patients and visitors in any public setting on ThedaCare campuses.
•Heightened visitor restrictions will be implemented throughout the system.
“ThedaCare will continue to monitor the current COVID situation, and adapt to the needs of the communities served,” said Dr. Hooker. “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we make necessary changes to safely care for our patients.”
