March 16, 2020
MultiCare Health System announces postponement of non-emergency surgeries
TACOMA, WA (March 16, 2020) – MultiCare Health System today announced that it will postpone elective, or non-emergency, surgeries and procedures in the Puget Sound and Inland Northwest regions for the week of March 17 through March 22, and possibly longer.
The decision comes as MultiCare prepares for the increase in COVID-19 patients it expects to see over the coming weeks. Like many health systems throughout the country, it is challenged by limited protective equipment, and is delaying non-emergency surgeries to conserve these supplies. MultiCare will continue to perform critical and emergency surgeries during this time.
The organization does not know when it will be able to reschedule the delayed procedures.
“At MultiCare Health System, our highest priority is the safety of our patients, staff and the communities we serve,” said Bill Robertson, MultiCare’s CEO. “We understand this is difficult news for our patients, and we are truly sorry. We are committed to helping our patients manage their health conditions until there is an appropriate time to reschedule their surgeries.”
MultiCare will continue to monitor the status of supplies, staff and available beds and will make decisions about delaying additional upcoming surgeries on a weekly basis.
“This is an extraordinary and unusual time for our region and for the people who depend on us,” said Robertson. “We are especially grateful for the dedication and expertise of our doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses and staff as we continue to help our communities navigate the COVID-19 crisis.”
Postponing non-emergent surgical and procedural cases is consistent with recommendations for our region from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a way to improve our ability to deal with this virus.
MultiCare began notifying patients over the weekend.
For more information about COVID-19 and MultiCare’s response to the pandemic, visit the COVID-19 Resource Center.