After performing a limited number of elective procedures last week, outpatient operating rooms at Wolfson Children’s Hospital are fully operational beginning May 11.
Pediatric surgeons at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville are accepting elective patients and offering Interventional diagnostic procedures.
“In accordance with the governor’s order that elective surgery is able to resume, we are making plans very thoughtfully, keeping the safety and wellbeing of our patients, their families, our faculty and staff at the forefront, as we have all along while we continued emergent and urgent surgical clinical care,” said Dr. Gary Josephson, chief medical officer of Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Jacksonville, in a news release.
The providers are implementing protective measures at their facilities to ensure patient safety.
Social distancing will be maintained in waiting rooms and common areas and all patients, visitors and staff must wear masks.
Patients will be prescreened via phone and telehealth before their procedures and will be tested for COVID-19 before surgery, if necessary.
Anyone who enters Wolfson Children’s Hospital will be screened at the door. Limited visitation policies continue.
Any COVID-19 patients in the hospital will be treated in a separate area.
For Nemours, UF and Wolfson Children’s Hospital patients, virtual care options are expanded to keep unnecessary patients out of the facilities.
“We appreciate parents’ understanding during this challenging time in our community, and their continued patience as we work together to keep children and families safe while providing the quality pediatric care we’re known for,” said Dr. Jerry A. Bridgham, chief medical officer at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.