Northern Pauses Elective Surgeries Due to Increasing Volumes
Northern Regional Hospital, like other hospitals across the region and country, is experiencing unparalleled inpatient admissions. To maintain the safest and highest quality of care amongst this surge of patients, for both COVID and non-COVID patients, Northern announced today it will once again temporarily suspend some elective surgeries and procedures starting January 4. Patients affected by this change in service have or will soon be contacted directly. This action will help ensure adequate staffing levels during this high census period and reevaluated on an ongoing basis.
Additionally, the hospital has expanded facilities and services to meet the increased demand for inpatient and outpatient care, to include opening the Northern Outreach Laboratory across from the hospital`s Emergency Department, Northern Urgent Care on Highway 52, reopening its third floor medical-surgical unit, and collaborating closely with the local health department, Surry County EMS, and neighboring hospitals. Northern Family Medicine is also readily available to care for outpatients.
As the Emergency Department at Northern is oftentimes the “front door” to our facility for many patients, we ask patients and their families to be aware of and understand the potential for increased wait times during this high census time. Even with increased numbers of patients, we have adjusted services to ensure that all of our patients continue to receive safe, high quality care.
“Patients who present at the Emergency Department will be seen quickly, if not immediately, by a nurse who will help identify patients with the most emergent needs. The ED provider will see some patients immediately, while others with less emergent needs may experience a longer wait,” said Dr. Jason Edsall, Emergency Room physician and Chief Medical Officer at Northern. “Those patients having symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, diabetic crisis, or stroke-like symptoms, are evaluated and cared for immediately upon arrival,” continued Dr. Edsall.
“Northern Regional Hospital is privileged to serve this region and we will not waiver in our commitment to serve the healthcare needs of patients,” said Chris A. Lumsden, President and CEO at Northern. “We thank you, our community, for your continued support and confidence in our ongoing efforts to always keep our patients and employees safe.” Lumsden further commended the outstanding work and service of Northern’s doctors, nurses, and clinical and support team members during this busy time at the hospital.
