Effective Monday, March 15, 2020, we are canceling and rescheduling all non-urgent surgical procedures and care. Elective and non-urgent care is considered any procedure, test, therapy or clinic visit that can be safely delayed, without threat to the health or safety of our patients. These steps include:
- Effective immediately, we are imposing a no-visitor policy at the main and Saints campuses unless approved by a patient’s care team
- On Sunday, we erected a mobile tent at the Saints campus in anticipation of increased access to testing in the near future. This increased testing is not available yet.
We recognize that the decisions to delay procedures and restrict visitors will have a significant impact on our community of patients and providers. These steps are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Surgeons.
Public officials are also advocating “social distancing” as an important and necessary element of preparedness. To support that goal, Lowell General Hospital is working to progressively reduce the level of non-urgent and elective clinical care.
We began calling patients today to reschedule their non-urgent appointments and believe this will reduce the potential of incidental infection of our patients and staff. This move will also conserve vital resources needed to provide optimal care to those who ultimately may need it most.
During this time, Lowell General Hospital will be open and ready to care for all who are ill, hurt or otherwise require inpatient, surgical, ambulatory and emergency care that cannot be delayed.
We appreciate our patients’ understanding and support. The health and safety of our employees and our patients is our top priority and we believe this decision is in the best interest of our community.
