Watertown Regional Medical Center To Resume Some Elective Surgeries

(Watertown) Watertown Regional Medical Center (WRMC) announced Monday they have taken steps to safely resume some elective and non-urgent surgeries. The facility says decisions about which procedures can safely move forward will be made only after assessing a comprehensive pre-operative checklist and evaluating potential risks. The hospital will initially focus on scheduling patients with more time-sensitive health needs in partnership with their physician. Patients who are scheduled and approved for procedures must meet specific requirements, including passing standard COVID-19 screenings. Surgical patients will also be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven days prior to their surgery to minimize potential exposure and undergo testing for coronavirus. Those awaiting information about their previously postponed procedure can expect to hear from their provider or provider’s office to discuss rescheduling at the appropriate time. Chief Executive Officer at WRMC Richard Keddington says resuming these important services is an essential component of meeting their community’s health needs and advancing their mission of making communities healthier. He says as work gradually gets underway in their hospital again, they will remain committed to conserving critical supplies, being vigilant in their fight against COVID-19 and ensuring their facility is a safe place for everyone. The hospital will continue to screen and mask those who enter and maintain a zero-visitor protocol for the foreseeable future.