Postponing or cancelling elective surgery
Fedhealth urges that members reconsider undergoing any elective (non-emergency) surgery or procedures at this time, and delay it until the worst of the coronavirus is over.
Why are we asking this of our members?
- We don’t want to burden the healthcare system at this time, because we need as many hospital beds as possible to be available for patients requiring hospitalisation in the case of COVID-19;
- We’re all hearing about social distancing to slow down the spread of the virus. Avoiding hospitals is another way to protect yourself from possible exposure to the virus.
Mediclinic has temporarily terminated elective surgery
Following the announcement of the national lockdown, Mediclinic Southern Africa stopped all elective surgeries from midnight on 26 March 2020. This drastic measure is in line with the regulations and will also manage the risk to patients, staff and doctors as well as preserve limited stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Emergency, urgent and some semi-elective procedures will still be performed during this period. Members who have a procedure booked at a Mediclinic during the lockdown period should contact their doctor to discuss the postponement or cancellation of their surgery.
Netcare also announced that with effect from midnight 30/03/2020, all elective surgery has been postponed, provided that this will not result in the patient’s outcome or quality of life being significantly altered.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Covid-19 online resource and news portal: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.NICD.ac.za/
