As the positive impact of social distancing begins to flatten the curve for COVID-19 cases in Broward County, Holy Cross Hospital is resuming select critical services and elective surgeries to provide clinically necessary care for the health and well-being of area patients.
"Holy Cross Hospital is enhancing safety precautions already in place in order to resume select surgeries, procedures and other critical services as we remain committed to providing the safe, quality care we know our patients and communities need," said Doug Strong, Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Beginning May 4, Holy Cross Hospital will begin providing services including elective surgeries, comprehensive imaging services, outpatient rehabilitation services and physician office visits.
"People need to know it is safe to seek essential treatment," said Eduardo Locatelli, Interim Chief Medical Officer who has been serving as the COVID-19 Incident Commander. "In line with our core value of Safety, we are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to resuming select services and are following CDC and state COVID-19 guidance to provide a safe environment for patients and Associates."
Enhanced safety measures at Holy Cross Hospital include:
1 COVID-Free zones to separate patients confirmed to have COVID-19 from others in our facilities.
a. Screening all patients at entrances and testing surgical candidates
b. Providing and requiring masks for everyone in our facilities
2. CDC standards for facility deep cleaning with increased frequency and special attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat surfaces
3. Continued visitor restrictions.
All patients scheduled for elective procedures will be tested for COVID-19 24 hours prior to the surgery/procedure. If a patient tests positive, the procedure will be postponed until a negative result is obtained, unless it is urgent/emergent. At the time, if there is a negative test result, the procedure will continue as planned in the COVID-free zone.
"If you are feeling sick, or have a preexisting or chronic condition, we want to make sure you do not postpone care that you need to get healthy and stay well," said Strong. "We are here for you and are committed to keeping you safe while you get the medical care you need."
Holy Cross Hospital also continues to offer telehealth services as a convenient, safe option for patients. For more information, visit https://www.holy-cross.com/health-and-wellness/coronavirus.
