Novant Suspends Some Procedures To 'Conserve Critical Resources'

VIRGINIA — Starting Friday at 5 p.m., Novant Health UVA Health System is postponing elective and non-time sensitive surgeries and procedures at its facilities in cases where postponement will not have a negative impact on a person's health, the health system said Thursday. Novant Health said the decision will allow its health care system to "conserve critical resources and focus care on those who need it most."

The decision is in line with recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Surgeon General and American College of Surgeons to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, Novant Health said. An elective procedures is one that is advantageous to the person but is not urgent, the health system said.

Earlier this week, the health system announced it had suspended all visitation at its hospitals, except for laboring mothers who can designate one person to be with them and patients who are minors who will be allowed one parent or guardian to remain with them.

The visitor restrictions apply to the Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center, Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center and Novant Health UVA Health System Culpeper Medical Center

At Novant Health, all elective imaging procedures such mammograms, bone density and non-urgent magnetic resonance imaging procedures also are being postponed. Novant Health has closed its all of its cardiac rehabilitation and fitness centers until further notice.

Outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy visits have been suspended. No new patient appointments will be scheduled, and existing patients will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For time-sensitive rehabilitation needs, patients may be transitioned to a virtual therapy or coaching session.

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Outpatient sleep center services and some wound care are being rescheduled by Novant Health. Intensive outpatient behavioral health visits will be switched to virtual visits.

Rescheduling these appointments will minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus among patients, visitors and healthcare providers, Novant said. Affected patients will be contacted directly to reschedule appointments.

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