Loyola Medicine to Resume Medical Services May 4 and Elective Surgeries May 11, 2020
May 5, 2020MAYWOOD, IL – In accordance with guidelines set by the Illinois State Department of Public Health, Loyola Medicine hospitals will resume elective surgeries in phases beginning May 11, 2020 to provide care for patients.
Physician offices and clinics at the health system’s three hospitals – Loyola University Medical Center, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital and MacNeal Hospital – will resume operations on Monday, May 4, 2020, including in-person visits and continued use of telehealth video visits.
Elective surgeries and procedures will resume in phases throughout the month and beyond. Emergency services and surgeries and comprehensive cancer care have continued uninterrupted at Loyola Medicine hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In line with our core value of safety, we are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to resuming select services, which includes following all U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 recommendations to ensure a safe environment for patients and colleagues,” said Loyola Medicine president and CEO Shawn P. Vincent. “Loyola has always cared for the sickest patients in Illinois and has continued to provide life-saving care,” he added.
All patients undergoing an elective surgery or procedure will be tested for COVID-19 within 24 hours prior to the surgery or procedure. If the patient receives a negative test result, the surgery or procedure will continue as planned. If a patient receives a positive test result, the procedure will be postponed until a negative test result can be obtained.
Other enhancements to existing safety measures include:
- A clear separation between patients confirmed to have COVID-19 from others in our hospitals and clinics.
- Masks for patients, visitors, employees and physicians.
- Adherence to CDC standards for facility deep cleaning with increased frequency and attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat surfaces.
- Continued visitor restrictions. One adult over age 18 can accompany pediatric patients and patients who are undergoing surgery or will receive anesthesia.
“If you are feeling sick, have a chronic or acute health need, we want to make sure you do not postpone care that is necessary for you to get healthy and stay well,” said Vincent. “And Loyola Medicine is committed to keeping you safe while you receive the medical care you need.”
“We have always and will continue to deliver safe, optimal and life-saving care, the hallmark of our academic health system, during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Vincent. “We look forward to seeing and caring for our returning patients.”
For an appointment or to schedule a surgery, procedure or in-person visit, call 888-584-7888, or visit our Schedule an Appointment page.