Ducey may relax restrictions on elective surgeries

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday, April 15, that he is looking to restore the ability of Arizona hospitals to perform elective surgeries again. Hospitals are reporting financial losses of up to 40% a month due to the lack of those surgeries.

Ducey said he issued his March 19 directive halting elective surgeries on March 21 to ensure a continued, adequate supply of personal protective equipment — masks, gowns, and gloves — to handle what is expected to be a surge in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19. “If we’re in a position where we’ve got enough supply, that we have available inventory, and we have product on the way as well, I am open-minded to resuming elective surgery,” Ducey told Capitol Media Services.

Rural hospitals probably would begin surgeries first, and they would be extended to urban areas over time, Ducey said. He also said the loosening of the ban on elective surgeries is dependent on several factors, including when hospitalizations peak. 

From Capitol Media Services via the Arizona Daily Star: https://bit.ly/2wNU1Jd