As COVID Cases Rise in Utah, Overwhelming Hospitals and Caregivers, Intermountain Healthcare Postpones Some Elective, Non-Urgent Surgeries and Procedures

As cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations continue to increase significantly in Utah, hospital intensive care and other acute care units at Intermountain Healthcare facilities throughout the state have filled as patient volumes have regularly exceeded capacity for these units. 

As a result, in an effort to maintain a safe environment and ensure each patient receives the best care possible, Intermountain is postponing some elective, non-urgent surgeries and procedures that require an overnight hospital stay, effective today. 

Hospital schedulers will review daily surgical and procedural schedules, overall volumes, staffing, and other resources, and will postpone surgeries that can be safely moved, as necessary. Any impacted patients will be notified by phone ahead of their scheduled surgeries.

All other hospital and clinic services are open and seeing patients. Caregivers advise that anyone seeking emergency care, go to their nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1. 

It is recommended that anyone eligible to be vaccinated for COVID, do so immediately. The COVID vaccines are safe, effective, and have shown to reduce a person’s risk for hospitalization and death from the virus.