What to Know About Surgery During the Pandemic
Hattiesburg – The thought of having surgery for a nagging injury or lingering pain can make some patients feel uneasy. But, as many experts have said over the last few months, it is extremely important not to neglect medical needs during the pandemic.
Patients can feel confident seeking the medical care they need at Merit Health Wesley. Numerous steps have been put in place to keep patients safe during their visits, including:
- Screening all visitors for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms before they are allowed to enter.
- Visitor restrictions reduce the number of people inside to enable social distancing and keep patients and employees safe.
- Face masks are worn by everyone inside the hospital – patients, employees and physicians.
- Caregivers are using appropriate personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for every patient.
- Cleaning protocols have been enhanced with extra measures and increased frequency, including disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and all patient care areas.
- Furniture in waiting areas arranged to support social distancing.
“Lingering injuries or pain can lead to more serious issues if not addressed,” says general surgeon, Wesley Girod, M.D. “According to the CDC, 4 in 10 adults in America have avoided medical care due to concerns of COVID-19. Merit Health Wesley has precautions in place to treat all patients who need medical care. I strongly urge people to contact their physician if they are experiencing any pain or have health concerns.”
Pre-surgery COVID-19 testing is required for patients undergoing procedures involving general anesthesia or aerosolizing procedures. Patients are asked to self-quarantine after receiving the test and before arriving at the hospital.
“Delaying surgery for any length of time can sustain unnecessary pain and suffering and sometimes lead to reduced quality of life,” says orthopedic surgeon, Jacob Folse, M.D. “Remember, the sooner your surgery is done, the sooner your relief and recovery begin.”
Merit Health Wesley brings a variety of specialized surgical offerings to the Pine Belt. The organization has recently broadened their robotic surgical offerings to now include general, gynecologic, orthopedic, and spine surgical procedures. To learn more about the surgical services offered at Merit Health Wesley, visit www.MeritHealthWesley.com/surgery-services. For more information about the hospital’s safety plan, visit MeritHealthWesley.com/covid-19.
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