UNC Health Southeastern to postpone some elective surgeries

Due to the high demand for hospital beds related to the recent COVID-19 surge, effective Thursday, September 2, UNC Health Southeastern is postponing most elective surgeries that require hospitalization. Surgeries and procedures that will not be postponed include gynecology, cardiovascular, and cardiac catheterization as these areas have specialized units not currently impacted by the surge. This also does not impact cases scheduled at The Surgery Center at Southeastern Health Park.

“It is unfortunate that we have had to take this step,” said UNC Health Southeastern President/CEO Joann Anderson. “We will resume elective surgical scheduling for those cases needing an inpatient bed when the demand for inpatient beds decreases. This decision is one being made all across North Carolina right now.  Beds and resources are limited due to the increasing admissions related to COVID-19 and other acute illnesses requiring inpatient care.  Our goal has been and remains to serve everyone who needs care at the time they need it.  I ask for grace and understanding from our community as we work through this current surge.”

Patients who are impacted will receive a phone call regarding their procedure postponement, however, patients may call their surgeon’s office for more information.  Surgeries will be rescheduled as quickly as possible and will be coordinated through each surgeon’s office.

“This is an extraordinary step required to care for the COVID-19 patients effectively and efficiently,” added Lori Dove, UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Interim Chief Operating Officer. “We apologize for the inconvenience and will work to restore full services for all of our patients as quickly as it is safe to do so.”