Safety measures in place for return of elective surgeries

May 13, 2020 | 10:34 AM

Interior Health will resume elective surgeries Tuesday, May 19, with a number of Covid-related safety measures in place.

“Throughout the resumption of services, our priority is to minimize the risk of transmission of Covid-19,” said an IH news release.

IH is calling patients to confirm their health status and if they are able and willing to move forward with surgery.

“We recognize that some individuals may wish to continue to postpone their surgery at this time. Those who choose not to proceed with their surgeries immediately will hold their spot on the waitlist,” the news release stated.

Interior Health will also try to maximize minor procedures that do not require an operating room, as well as day surgeries that don’t require overnight stays in hospital.

Serious Injuries

GoFundMe launched in support of motorcycle accident victim

2h ago

Concept Plan

City council endorses passive park plan for Kin Race Track lands

Apr 27, 2026

Creek Naturalization

Vernon Creek Naturalization project completed

Apr 27, 2026

Urgent, emergent, and oncology-related surgeries, which were not impacted by the pause in surgery, will continue as priority cases.

To minimize the risk of virus transmission for patients, staff and physicians, a number of measures will be implemented as part of the surgical process:

• When possible, patients will be assessed through a virtual pre-admission clinic by video conference or telephone prior to surgery.

• Consistent screening tools and risk assessment guidelines will be used.

• Patients will be assessed 24-72 hours prior to surgery and upon arrival the day of surgery.

• Surgeries will be scheduled with time to accommodate additional cleaning and infection control measures.

Patients will be rescheduled based on priority.

Health Minister Adrian Dix has said it could take up to two years to catch-up to the 30,000 people waiting for non-essential surgeries.

“Interior Health will assess opportunities to expand capacity over the coming months to ensure individuals who need surgery get it as quickly as possible,” said the news release. “This plan is dependent on factors such as adequate supply of personal protective equipment, full commitment of all partners, and monitoring of a possible resurgence of Covid-19.”

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments