As the positive impact of social distancing flattens the curve for COVID-19 cases
in New Jersey, St. Francis Medical Center has resumed select services and elective surgeries to provide clinically necessary care for the health and well-being of area patients.
“St. Francis is enhancing safety precautions already in place in order to resume select surgeries, procedures, radiology exams, and other critical services as we remain committed to providing the safe, quality care we know our patients and communities need,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Moen.
St. Francis is providing elective services including cardiac procedures, surgery and endoscopy procedures, as well as diagnostic radiology exams.
“People need to know it is safe to seek essential treatment,” said Moen. “In line with our core value of Safety, we are taking a thoughtful, phased approach to resuming select services and are following CDC and state COVID-19 guidance to provide a safe environment for patients and colleagues.”
Enhanced safety measures at St. Francis include:
- Non-COVID pathways which are areas where we provide care only for people not known to have COVID-19 or COVID symptoms.
- Symptom and temperature screenings at our Chambers Street entrance for all colleagues, vendors and patients
- Providing and requiring masks for everyone in the facilities
- CDC standards for facility deep cleaning with increased frequency and special attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat surfaces
- Continued visitor restrictions
In addition, all patients scheduled for elective procedures requiring cardiovascular, endoscopy or surgery will be tested for COVID-19 within 96 hours prior to the surgery/procedure. If a patient tests positive, the procedure will be postponed until a negative result is obtained. If there is a negative test result, the procedure will continue as planned.
“If you are feeling sick, or have a preexisting or chronic condition, we want to make sure you do not postpone care that you need to get healthy and stay well,” said Moen. “We are here for you and are committed to keeping you safe while you get the medical care you need.”
In addition to elective surgeries, St. Francis has also resumed its elective diagnostic procedures, such as radiology testing, pulmonary function tests and neurology exams.
These procedures are available as well as hospital-based clinics. St. Francis Medical Associates physician practices are also open, and appointments are available for both in-person or telehealth video visits. For a telehealth video visit appointment or to schedule an in-person visit, or to schedule an elective surgery or procedure, visit our website at www.stfrancismedical.org or call 1-855-599-SFMC (7362).
