PBRMC to resume elective surgeries

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center will resume elective procedures beginning Monday.

“Our top priority has always been focused on the safety and well-being of our patients, employees, and the community we serve,” said Lacey McClintock, director of marketing and community relations for the Poplar Bluff hospital in a news release.

In compliance with state and federal guidelines, the facility is reserving at least 25% of the hospital’s capacity for treatment of coronavirus patients so it will not deplete the hospital capacity or the personal protective equipment needed to cope with COVID-19. If, at any time, there is a surge in COVID-19 cases the hospital will reevaluate the surgery needs and PPE supply, the news release said.

“Physicians are deciding which surgeries to perform based on patient urgency, protective equipment,” said Bryan Bateman, CEO. “Our entire facility is working together as a team to ensure we have all sanitary and screening precautions in place, so our patients and employees are safe. The environmental services team works hard daily to keep all surfaces disinfected and are truly unsung heroes in our journey to overcome COVID-19.”

Currently, the hospital has one patient in its care who is positive for COVID-19. This patient and any future positive admissions are placed in an isolation unit, McClintock said.

“Throughout this pandemic, our employees and patients are thoroughly screened upon entering the facility as another method to ensure the safety of our patients and community,” McClintock said. “As a result, we have seen a decrease in new COVID-19 patients in our area and will continue to do our part to flatten the curve.

“We will be extremely cautious in choosing our elective procedures, so it preserves our resources to

meet the needs of our community.”

Patients should contact their physicians with questions about rescheduling missed procedures.