Coronavirus: Ohio health chief orders postponement of elective surgeries, procedures

The Ohio Department of Health on Tuesday ordered elective surgeries and procedures in Ohio's hospitals be postponed in an effort to conserve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and first responders in response of the coronavirus pandemic.

The order will go into effect at the end of business Wednesday, March 18.

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The Ohio Hospital Association estimates that the amount of personal protective equipment Ohio will need during the COVID-19 pandemic is equal to the amount of such equipment available nationally.

"By postponing elective hospital procedures that are safe to delay, we can protect patients and providers," Gov. DeWine said in a prepared statement. "This will also help us preserve critically short supplies of PPE and preserve inpatient beds and other equipment for critically ill patients."

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The hospital association developed guidelines for healthcare providers for the management of non-essential surgeries and procedures in Ohio.

Surgeries or procedures will be delayed unless:

• There is a threat to the patient’s life if surgery or procedure is not performed;

• There is a threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system;

• There is a risk of metastasis or progression of staging;

• There is a risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms

In order to preserve personal protective equipment, only individuals essential to conducting the surgery or procedure shall be in the surgery or procedure suite or other patient care areas where the equipment is required. Each hospital and outpatient surgery or procedure provider shall establish a governance structure to ensure the principles outlined above are followed.