University of Kentucky Healthcare has announced a scaling back of its operating room inventory. It’s aimed at addressing the growing cases of coronavirus across Kentucky.
Beginning this Monday UK Healthcare will shut down five of its 32 operating rooms at Chandler Hospital. The move is expected to decrease hospital admissions while increasing capacity for COVID-19 patients. It also allows for personnel and resources to be redeployed to other areas that need additional staff.
UK Vice President for Health Affairs Mark Newman said, unlike measures earlier this year, elective procedures will continue, employees are not being furloughed, and knowledge how to treat the virus is better.
Predictive models show an increase in COVID patients three weeks from now. The current reduction is expected to last through December and be evaluated weekly.
If you appreciate access to this important content during this global pandemic, please help us continue to provide public service journalism and information to Central and Eastern Kentucky communities. Please make your contribution to WEKU today.
