Lang
4/26/20
Some staff members at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics say they’re worried about Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision to resume elective surgeries in the state.
A memo sent to UIHC employees and obtained by KCJJ says elective surgeries will resume Monday in three locations: the Main Operating Rooms, the Ambulatory Surgery Center and the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
The letter goes on to say O-R allocations for each service will return to pre-COVID-19 levels, and the UIHC will work to expedite backlogged cases, especially if an unassigned room aligns with nursing and anesthesia availability.
The memo also noted that the UIHC may be expanding O-R access in the near future, including lengthening hours of operation and scheduling procedures on Saturdays.
UIHC employees who contacted KCJJ on condition of anonymity say they have concerns about going back to what they call “business as usual” despite COVID-19 cases in Iowa continuing to rise at an alarming rate. They also note that personal protective equipment is already at a premium, and would be spread even more thin by adding elective surgeries. One employee told KCJJ she only has one N95 mask to use for her entire shift, and she must sterilize it and use it again the following day.