Murray-Calloway County Hospital will halt all elective surgeries for a 30 day time period beginning close of business Wednesday, March 18. Our surgeons will determine which procedures are elective yet necessary to conduct. This step was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Surgeons and the U.S. Surgeon General. All hospitals in our region are following the same guidance.

MCCH, which has asked surgeons to consider rescheduling elective surgeries, said the request is meant to help it to conserve medical supplies and blood, ensure resources are available to those most in need and to limit the number of patients and visitors coming into the hospital.

“We’re most likely to see patients with COVID-19, or possible COVID-19 (cases), at the hospital,” Jerry Penner, CEO said. “At the same time, we want to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.”

Elective surgeries that may be postponed include surgeries for gallbladder stones for patients experiencing no symptoms, some orthopaedic cases, bariatric surgeries or hernias with no risk of perforation.

Administration at MCCH said they will look to surgeons to help decide which surgeries should be considered urgent and be performed. Patients often schedule elective surgeries anywhere from weeks to months in advance, depending on the procedure.

MCCH is hoping to start rescheduling surgeries after the 30-day period, though that could change depending on the situation with COVID-19. Surgeons who typically perform the elective surgeries will still likely be busy handling other urgent and emergency surgeries.

Also, Murray-Calloway County Hospital is asking the community to limit visitation at this time to one visitor per patient. If you are sick or under the age of 16 we ask that you do not visit the hospital. Visitation may become even more restrictive in the future.

When visiting, remember to wash your hands with soap and water when entering and leaving patient rooms. Those with fever, runny nose, body aches, or respiratory symptoms should not visit.

We appreciate the cooperation of our community to maintain the safest possible environment for patients, visitors and staff.