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Legacy Health is pleased to announce that scheduled, elective medical procedures will begin taking place in its Oregon facilities on May 1, 2020. This is in accordance with the safety requirements for hospitals outlined by Gov. Kate Brown in her announcement lifting the ban on elective procedures. In Washington, Legacy is planning to begin offering elective procedures on May 18, 2020, when the Washington ban is scheduled to lift.
“As we begin providing elective procedures next week, it is with the utmost focus on safety for our patients and staff,” said Lewis Low, M.D., chief medical officer, Legacy Health. “We are grateful to the community for the part they are playing in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by following social distancing guidelines so we can get back to the work of providing the care our patients need.”
As scheduling of elective procedures begins, priority will be given to the most urgent cases. Patients will be contacted by their provider about scheduling their procedures.
A focus on safety first
At Legacy Health, the safety of patients and employees is the No. 1 priority. Legacy has been working with state and local health authorities on how to safely begin offering elective procedures again when public health conditions supported it. Strict safety protocols have been put in place and will be maintained at Legacy facilities to provide maximal protection to patients and employees. These include adhering to social distancing as much as possible and appropriate use of personal protective equipment by staff. In addition, all patients undergoing elective surgery at Legacy hospitals must test negative for COVID-19 before they are admitted for their procedure.
Legacy leaders will monitor conditions to ensure that facilities continue to meet the safety conditions specified by Gov. Brown in terms of maintaining enough hospital capacity to care for potential new COVID-19 cases and maintaining a sufficient supply of personal protection equipment and testing materials.
About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit Legacy Health.
