Huntington Hospital Could Begin Performing Elective Surgeries Again Soon

Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena has begun preparing to resume some elective surgeries and other procedures, according to Huntington Hospital President and CEO Lori J. Morgan.

In a message posted on the hospital’s website, Morgan said staff are “carefully and thoughtfully following guidelines from the American College of Surgeons” to be able to resume elective surgeries that can no longer be delayed, including heart and cancer-related surgeries.

The hospital has also expanded its Coronavirus testing capabilities including in-house and outsource lab testing, even with testing supplies still limited, Dr. Morgan said.

“We are now providing antibody testing for those who think or know they had COVID-19 and are completely recovered,” she said, advising those who wish to be tested to wait at least 10 days after being symptom-free to test for antibodies.

Between March 6 and May 10, the hospital has tested a total of 2,295 patients, with 362 of them testing positive for the coronavirus. Sixty-two COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized at Huntington, according to the hospital’s COVID-19 webpage.

The message was published to share what the hospital and its staff have been doing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to highlight some of the hospital’s plans even as the pandemic continues to impact the hospital.

“I want to assure everyone that Huntington Hospital is well prepared to serve all of you safely through these challenging times,” Morgan wrote.

At the start of the outbreak, Huntington Hospital began a campaign to encourage members of the hospital community to help “flatten the curve” by staying home, social distancing and maintaining hygienic practices. The hospital also started donating face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE), setting aside critical funding for the purchase of these items that caregivers need to be able to treat patients safely.

Morgan also said while the challenge of the pandemic is far from over, the hospital is prepared for a potential surge in the number of COVID-19 patients – with their doctors ready to respond when called upon for additional support, and with adequate supplies of PPE ensured through donations from the community.

She also gave credit to their partnership with the City of Pasadena that ensures they are able to respond quickly.

“As our world is still learning about immunity, re-infection, and other aspects of the virus, we continue to take steps to preserve PPE and other critical resources,” Morgan said. “The hospital and our caregivers remain vigilant. We continue to maintain the highest standards of infection prevention protocols, including screening everyone before entering the hospital and continuing to limit visitors with very few exceptions.”

Morgan also called on the hospital community to not delay any emergency in the midst of the pandemic. The hospital’s Emergency Department remains open and ready to serve anyone experiencing health emergencies, she said.

As an integral part of ongoing treatment efforts, Huntington Hospital offers telehealth options with Exer Urgent Care and primary care through Hunting Hospital Physicians (HHP). More information about these services can be found on Huntington Hospitals COVID-19 webpage, www.huntingtonhospital.org/our-services/emergency-trauma/hospital-preparedness-covid-19-information/.

The hospital is celebrating Nurses and Hospital Week during the first two weeks of May, and has been receiving an outpouring of notes, comments, photos and videos honoring caregivers. Anyone wishing to send messages for the hospital’s doctors, nurses and support staff can visit www.hh.zovida.com/upload.