TidalHealth plans to suspend visits with patients at TidalHealth Nanticoke Hospital in Seaford and TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury beginning Monday, December 27th. Both hospitals will also temporarily pause elective, non-emergency surgeries that require an overnight stay.
“A spike in COVID-19 cases, other seasonal illnesses and the many health needs of our communities, coupled with unprecedented workforce constraints have come together to create a perfect storm for healthcare providers,” TidalHealth Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Sarah Arnett said. “We are taking these steps for the safety of our patients and our healthcare team.”
The decision follows a directive from the State of Maryland that hospitals act in response to high patient volumes and demand for hospital beds. Although the State of Delaware currently does not have a similar directive, TidalHealth Nanticoke will undertake the same measures due to COVID-19 admissions.
“The COVID-19 omicron variant and the continued presence of the Delta variant are driving high rates of transmission and hospitalization,” TidalHealth CEO Steve Leonard said. “Getting vaccinated can reduce the severity of illness and the risk of transmission and will help take the pressure off our extremely busy facilities.”
TidalHealth released additional information Wednesday afternoon:
To protect patients, although visitation will be open until Dec. 27, do not visit patients at either hospital if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or any illness. Community spread of COVID-19 is very high, so consider carefully whether visitation is safe for loved ones in the hospital.
A multidisciplinary clinical team is evaluating all non-emergency, non-life-threatening surgeries requiring an overnight stay and those that can be postponed will be. Patients affected by the pause are being notified ahead of time by their surgeon’s office. Any questions should also be directed to that surgical…
