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This article was written by WTOP’s news partner, InsideNoVa.com, and republished with permission. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today.
After the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Sentara hospitals more than doubled within the week, the health system is postponing all hospital-based, non-emergency surgeries, procedure and diagnostic testing starting Monday.
Sentara, which operates Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge, will reschedule impacted procedures, surgeries and diagnostic testing to a later date after the current omicron surge has passed. Patients with an impacted surgery or procedure will be contacted with further information.
“The current strain on all healthcare facilities is undeniable. We must balance the urgent need to care for large numbers of COVID-19 patients with what is being asked of our dedicated staff,” said Mike Gentry, Sentara Healthcare Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We cannot care for our community without first supporting our team members as they so expertly manage this large number of patients.”
The current pause on will allow the health system to reassign skilled team members to other areas with a more urgent need. All lifesaving and emergency surgeries and procedures will continue.
Patients in need of medical care can still utilize a virtual care appointment, an in-office visit with Sentara Medical Group, or visit a Sentara emergency room if urgent.
“We thank our patients and family members for their understanding and support,” Sentara said in a statement. “Our focus remains on the health and wellbeing of our community.”
