COVID-19: Preparing for your Surgical Procedure
Page updated November 10, 2022
Lourdes Health is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers, and visitors. Read below to learn more about our safety protocols and how we're keeping you safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hospital clean and safe?
Our hospital is clean and safe -- just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. Our environmental services team keeps our hospital current on the most effective cleaning and disinfection protocols available in healthcare today. They have increased cleaning in all high touch areas and follow all CDC guidelines for cleaning patient rooms.
Do you have the supplies and capacity to accommodate my procedure?
Our clinical teams will conduct twice daily “go/no-go” meetings in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE, medications, blood, space and staffing to ensure that we have enough to comfortably care for those undergoing elective/non-urgent procedures AND accommodate our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.
We are not booking our schedules to full capacity. Out of an abundance of caution and with the conservation of supplies in mind, we are not starting with a full schedule right away. Should things continue to progress positively, we’ll increase our capacity on a week-by-week basis. This is for your safety and ours.
Do you have enough staff to resume elective/non-urgent procedures?
Our team regularly monitors staffing levels to ensure a safe environment for all patients, providers and employees. In addition, we screen all employees daily for COVID-19 symptoms. We are confident that we have the appropriate staff and providers to resume elective and non-urgent procedures while also accommodating our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.
Will my experience be the same as in the past?
Your experience in our facility may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What should I expect during my procedure?
Upon arrival at the facility, you will be provided with a cloth mask. We will gather family member/spouse/friend/caregiver contact information so we can follow up with them to provide an update after your procedure and share instructions for pick up at the same location.
You are going to be asked COVID-19 screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. You may get tired of these questions, but we assure you they are for your health and safety, and that of our staff.
You may never see the faces of your care team members under their protective equipment. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going. However, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.
What questions will I be asked during the screening?
The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.
How will I prepare for my procedure?
If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be asked to practice "safer at home" behaviors for seven (7) days to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing -- trying only to leave your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. If you need to leave for an essential purpose, you must wear a mask. You also will be asked to check your temperature twice a day during this seven-day period and report any result above 100°F to your provider.
If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked.
Can my family member/spouse/friend/caregiver come with me to the facility?
Yes, a family member/spouse/friend/caregiver can come with you to the facility. If you are arriving before 8 am, please park and enter through the emergency department. If you arrive after 8 am, you can park and enter through Lourdes Joint and Spine entrance. We will gather their contact information so we can follow up with them to provide an update after your procedure and share instructions for pick up at the same location.
What happens when I arrive for my procedure?
When you arrive at the facility, you will be provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one).
If I have additional questions about my procedure, who should I contact?
If you have any questions, please call our team at 509.546.2203.