NLMC to resume surgeries on Monday

Northern Louisiana Medical Center is set to resume surgeries on Monday.

Hospitals across the state halted most procedures at the beginning of coronavirus outbreak in March to free up resources and to protect patients and others from the spread of the disease.

On April 20, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that elective procedures and treatments that would help avoid further harm from illness or underlying conditions could start again.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our patients’ and caregivers’ health and safety have been our primary concern,” NLMC’s CEO Keith Newton said. “We are ramping up slowly to give us ample opportunity to evaluate the processes we have in place and make adjustments as needed. Patients can be assured that we are taking every precaution to protect them.”

Newton said the hospital’s leadership team and medical staff have been working on the plan since late April.

As part of NLMC’s new protocol, surgery patients will be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to their procedure.

NLMC has also implemented other rules that it said would help ensure the well-being of patients, physicians and staff.

The hospital is limiting entry points to their facilities and screening everyone who enters in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines, as well as requiring patients, physicians, and staff members to wear masks and maintain social distancing while in the building.

Visitors are not allowed, with exemptions made for mothers in labor, pediatric patients and end-of-life situations, NLMC said in a press release outlining the new regulations.

In those cases, one adult “essential” visitor will be allowed for labor, delivery and postpartum patients; one parent or designated caregiver for pediatric patients; and spouse, significant other or adult children in end-of-life situations.