Memorial Hermann Postponing Elective, Non-Urgent Surgeries, Procedures and Outpatient Services

HOUSTON (March 20, 2020)

Memorial Hermann is postponing elective, non-urgent surgeries, procedures and outpatient services (including some physical therapy, occupational therapy and imaging exams) in an effort to further protect the greater Houston community from the spread of COVID-19 and conserve resources for the sickest and most vulnerable of patients.

This decision, which was made in consultation with physicians from across Memorial Hermann Health System, aligns directly with the American College of Surgeons and the U.S. Surgeon General recommendations to postpone elective, non-urgent surgeries nationwide as a proactive measure for the potential surge of COVID-19 patients.

With this announcement, there are a few key updates:

  1. The postponement of elective, non-urgent surgeries, procedures and outpatient services will go into effect on Monday, March 23, 2020, and continue tentatively through April 13. Patients who are scheduled for elective, non-urgent procedures will be notified by their physician offices today of this change.
  2. All Memorial Hermann campuses and facilities remain open and fully operational. The current modified visitor policy will remain in place—as will the current exceptions to the visitor policy, including family members for laboring mothers, pediatric patients and patients who are at end of life. Health screenings also remain in effect for all employees, physicians and members of our workforce.

“As you all know, the spread of COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation for people across the country — especially within healthcare communities,” said Dr. David Callender, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “Memorial Hermann is taking immediate and proactive actions to protect the health of all of our patients and our workforce. It is our commitment to ensure we are in a position, even in the midst of this pandemic, to continue to safely care for greater Houston just as we have done for the past 100 years.”

For additional COVID-19 information and resources, please visit the Memorial Hermann Coronavirus Resource Center.