ABILENE, Texas — On March 23, Governor Abbott called for an executive order to postpone elective surgeries across the lone star state in an effort to decompress the healthcare system during COVID-19.
Which includes and pre-planned procedure between the patient and the doctor that isn’t critical to the patients life.
Such as orthopedic surgery, cosmetic, and lasic surgery.
STATEMENT FROM ABBOT:
"Patient care capacity is essential during this time, which is why the state of Texas is taking action to increase hospital bed capacity, provide additional space for medical personnel to care for patients, and ensure that healthcare facilities have the supplies needed to respond to COVID-19."
Dr.Stephen Lowry, Chief of Staff for Hendrick Health Systems says this order is meant to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and manage hospital capacity during the pandemic.
"I know that is inconvenient for the community it’s something that we take very seriously and both hospitals have have a team of physicians who will decide which surgeries are necessary " said Lowry.
According to a statement released from Hendrick Health care system in Abilene,
All procedures considered an emergency, will continue as necessary and urgent procedures that are scheduled will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
If patients have questions about their procedures, they are encouraged to contact their physicians.