Reston Hospital Center Resumes Elective Surgeries and Procedures

Following the lifting of a state order, Reston Hospital Center has resumed elective procedures and surgeries.

Hospital officials say that the introduction is occurring “thoughtfully” and with continuous monitoring of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The hospital notes that scheduled or elective procedures are often not optional and cannot be delayed indefinitely.

“Deferring important medical procedures can result in patients unnecessarily suffering at home, and later seeking care only when their conditions have become more serious,” according to the center.

A statewide ban on elective surgeries was lifted on May 1. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam originally extended the ban by one week.

“My top priority is protecting public health, and that includes ensuring that our frontline medical staff have the equipment they need to stay safe as they treat Virginians who are sick,” said Governor Northam. “We have increased our supply of PPE, but before we allow elective surgeries to resume, we must first be assured that the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are fighting this virus or conducting emergency surgeries have the necessary supplies. We are working with medical facilities on plans to ensure that we can resume elective surgeries safely and responsibly.”

The hospital continues to limit the number of entrances into the facility. Staff are also questioning anyone who enters the hospital center. Only one visitor — who is screened negative and masked — is allowed to accompany patients.

All COVID-19 patients are also isolated to specific areas.