GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Some forms of patient care are being reintroduced among the services and surgeries being allowed in the Trinity Mercy Health Michigan system, including Mercy Health, which operates in the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas.
The services are described in a release as “time sensitive essential surgeries, including urgent and emergent procedures, as determined by its physicians and their patient’s health care needs.”
Physicians will be contacting patients to discuss the possibility of scheduling procedures that should not be delayed much longer, so-called time sensitive essential surgeries.
"While we know COVID concerns are still high, we don't want patients' conditions to deteriorate or urgent needs to become emergent due to a reluctance to seek appropriate care," said Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, M.D., Ph.D, MHSA, chief clinical officer for Trinity Health Michigan.
The healthcare provider joined other providers in addressing the possibility that people are reluctant to seek emergency care at hospitals. "We are concerned that people are putting off needed medical care; however, we are well-equipped and capable of handling all emergency care for our community and have measures in place to ensure the safety of all patients and staff,” said Tocco-Bradley.
Trinity Mercy Health listed additional safety measures that will be in place as more services are added:
- COVID-free zones will separate patients confirmed to have COVID-19 from others in our facilities.
- All patients scheduled for elective procedures will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the surgery/procedure. If a patient tests positive, the procedure will be postponed until a negative result is obtained, unless urgent.
- Masks provided and required for everyone in our facilities.
- CDC standards for facility deep cleaning with increased frequency and special attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat surfaces.
- Continued visitor restrictions.
- Continued monitoring of Personal Protective Equipment, medications, supplies and bed capacity.
