Elective Surgeries Postponed In Ohio: Here's Who's Impacted

COLUMBUS, OH — All elective surgeries in Ohio will be postponed by state decree, Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Tuesday. Officials said the forced delay will preserve needed medical equipment amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

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

The Ohio Hospital Association developed the guidelines for which surgeries would be postponed. Surgeries will be delayed, unless there is a:

• Threat to the patient’s life if surgery or procedure is not performed;
• Threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system;
• Risk of metastasis or progression of staging;
• Risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms

In addition to limiting the number of surgeries in Ohio, the state is also restricting how many medical professionals may take part in the surgery. In order to preserve equipment, only surgically necessary staff may be in the surgery or procedure suite.

Every hospital and outpatient surgery site will establish an internal governance to make sure the state's decree is being followed.

With increases seen in new coronavirus cases, Ohio health officials said Tuesday they expect a surge in patients with the disease that could lead to a shortage of medical equipment and delays in medical access for some.

There is no longer a chance that Ohio will not see a surge in COVID-19 cases, said Dr. Amy Acton, the health department's director. The stress on hospitals could also lead to ripple effects, with people who don't have the virus having to wait for medical access, Acton said.