SEATTLE -- Alison Krupnick was mentally preparing herself for the surgery set for early in the coming week that could eliminate her early-stage cervical cancer. But on Friday, she got word from the hospital: Because of the crush of coronavirus patients, her surgery was being called off.Krupnick was left
SEATTLE — Alison Krupnick was mentally preparing herself for the surgery set for early in the coming week that could eliminate her early-stage cervical cancer. But on Friday, she got word from the hospital: Because of the crush of coronavirus patients, her surgery was being called off.
Their goal is to preserve resources — from hospital beds and protective gear to nursing and doctor time — to prepare for what could become a deluge of coronavirus cases. Story continuesSurgeries that have been postponed so far include hip and knee replacements, ACL reconstruction and pediatric apnea surgery. “The gray area are the cancer patients,” said Dr. Arooj Simmonds, co-executive medical director of surgical services at Swedish Medical Center, which operates several hospitals in the Seattle area.
The committee, which had been meeting regularly since the outbreak began, said its decisions were driven by the need to protect resources, like the protective gear that medical staff need to keep from getting infected. But the doctors also wanted to limit the medical and support needs that patients regularly require after surgery, Freeborn said.
Kim Dammann, 45, was scheduled to have surgery to repair her Achilles tendon on Tuesday at a Seattle hospital, but on Friday she got an email saying it would be delayed.As an oncology nurse herself, “I get it,” Dammann said. “We do need the beds, and we do need the doctors.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hospitals are canceling elective surgeries to make space for a potential flood of coronavirus patientsHospitals like Tufts Medical Center and UC San Francisco are reaching out to patients to cancel knee and hip replacement surgeries, as well as annual physicals.
Read more »
Surgeon General advises hospitals to cancel elective surgeriesThe nation's top doctor urged a widespread halt of hospital elective procedures amid mounting concern that the health system doesn't have enough beds to manage a potential surge of coronavirus cases
Read more »
Jennifer Garner Encourages Fans to Share Their Talents After Productions Canceled Due to CoronavirusAs the coronavirus continues to spread, more and more performances around the globe are getting canceled
Read more »
Amy Schumer Jokes Her Gym Session Is 'Canceled' Amid PandemicThe comedian is making light of everything being canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
Read more »
Code Orange to Livestream Record Release Show Without AudienceCode Orange are live-streaming their 'Underneath' record release show and playing in a venue without an audience due to coronavirus worries
Read more »