The Michigan Senate approved a resolution asking the governor to revise her executive order to allow hospitals and health care facilities to resume elective procedures. The executive order, which took effect March 21, required hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities to postpone all nonessential procedures.
More than 12 states with similar executive restrictions have since relaxed those restrictions and deemed it safe for health care providers to resume elective procedures. Republican State Senator Dan Lauwers issued a statement that said, “With the proper precautions, doctors, nurses and other health care workers can safely provide many necessary procedures, and they should be allowed to do so.” He further stated that, “The governor is unnecessarily causing undue pain and hardship for thousands of Michiganders.”
McLaren Port Huron just announced that they are resuming diagnostic testing and some surgical procedures. Medical providers can begin scheduling time-sensitive surgeries now, and patients can begin receiving x-rays, CT Scans, mammograms, and other lab work that has been delayed.
All local hospitals continue to assure the public that they are taking several important measures to ensure the safety of their patients and isolate COVID-19 patients. They’ve also expressly recommended that people experiencing medical emergencies like the symptoms of heart attack and stroke do not postpone seeking medical treatment at the ER.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
