ChristianaCare is pausing elective surgeries that require a hospital bed, due to a surge in Covid-19 related hospitalizations.
ChristianaCare is Delaware’s largest hospital system and the state’s largest private employer..
“In order to meet the needs of our community and the demand for hospital beds at this time, we are taking the step to temporarily postpone surgeries and procedures that are not time-sensitive, and that would impact inpatient bed availability,” a release stated. “We are working closely with our physician community to determine which surgeries and procedures can be safely delayed, as we also work closely with our patients who will be impacted.”
The statement noted that new cases have risen sharply in the weeks following the Thanksgiving holiday. The surge also comes as demand for non-Covid hospital services is high.
Those scheduled for elective surgeries will be notified of the status of their procedure.
Earlier in the year, Sussex County’s two hospitals, Beebe and TidalHealth, made a similar decision on elective surgeries after a surge in Covid cases. Surgeries later resumed.
Outpatient procedures are not affected by the change.
“While Covid-19 is not the only driver of the current situation in our community, we continue to urge everyone to be vaccinated for Covid-19 and influenza and to practice masking, social distancing, and the other important steps that we know can help to prevent the transmission of Covid and other infectious diseases,” the statement concluded.
ChristianaCare earlier mandaed vaccinations for caregivers (employees) and others affiliated with the health care system.
