As the positive impact of social distancing begins to flatten the curve for COVID-19 cases in Indiana, Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) is resuming select critical services and elective surgeries to provide clinically necessary care for the health and well-being of our community.
“Saint Joseph Health System 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,” Chad Towner, SJHS CEO.
Beginning May 4, SJHS will begin providing services including cardiovascular, orthopedic and general surgery procedures.
“People need to know it is safe to seek essential treatment,” said Genevieve Lankowicz, MD SJHS CMO. “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 colleagues.”
Enhanced safety measures at SJHS include:
1. COVID-Free zones to separate patients confirmed to have COVID-19 from others in our facilities.
2. Screening upon entry to our facilities.
3. Requiring masks for everyone in our facilities.
4. Continued safe social distancing measures wherever possible.
5. CDC standards for facility deep cleaning with increased frequency and special attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat surfaces.
6. Continued visitor restrictions.
In addition, all patients scheduled for elective procedures will be tested for COVID-19 prior to their scheduled surgery. 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 pre-existing or chronic condition, we want to make sure you do not postpone care that you need to get healthy and stay well,” said Chad Towner “We are here for you and are committed to keeping you safe while you get the medical care you need.”
SJHS also continues to offer telehealth services as a convenient, safe option for patients. For an appointment or to schedule a surgery, procedure or in-person visit, call 888-638-4427 or visit sjmed.com.
