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Sentara Healthcare has announced that all hospital-based non-emergent surgeries, procedures and diagnostic testing will be postponed starting Monday, January 10, 2022 due to challenges related to COVID-19.

“The recent record-breaking surge in COVID-19 continues to challenge healthcare facilities across the nation,” stated a Sentara news release. “Sentara hospitals are currently treating more COVID-19 patients than ever before. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Sentara facilities more than doubled within the week and more than quadrupled within the last month.”

Impacted procedures, surgeries and diagnostic testing will be rescheduled to a later date after the current surge has passed, stated the release. Patients with an impacted surgery or procedure will be contacted directly 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 non-emergent procedures, surgeries and diagnostic testing will allow us to reassign skilled team members to other areas with a more urgent need,” stated the release. “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,” the release continued. “Our focus remains on the health and wellbeing of our community.”

What to do if your procedure, surgery or diagnostic test is postponed:

• Patients whose non-emergent surgery, procedure or test has been rescheduled will be contacted directly by their physician or a Sentara care team member.
• Patients will be given further instructions by their Sentara care team and resources to address any questions.
• Patients should stay in contact with their physicians and care team and discuss any changes in their health or medical condition.
• Delayed procedures, surgeries and diagnostic testing will be rescheduled as soon as the hospital is able to do so.

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