News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville Regional Medical Center resumed outpatient surgeries and procedures on Monday. Surgeons and staff are currently working to reschedule patients whose procedures had been postponed.
Cookeville Regional Marketing & Public Relations Specialist Hannah Davis said there may be an initial increase in the number of procedures done each day simply due to surgeons and staff working to reschedule patient procedures.
Procedures are being rescheduled by surgeons, Davis said. Patients typically will not have to do anything to reschedule. Surgeons are reaching out to patients individually, prioritizing procedures based on need.
While the process has gone smoothly, the biggest change to outpatient procedures in place is visitors. Family members, visitors and designated drivers of patients may not remain with the patient or be in the patient room.
“We’re communicating with the patients and we’ve developed a cell phone waiting area for designated drivers or family members just to wait to pick up their patient when they’re discharged from their procedure or surgery,” Davis Said.
Patients should wear a facemask from home if they have one, but Davis said if the patient does not have one, a mask will be provided for them. Davis said that the procedures and processes in place are to prevent further spread of COVID-19, so that case numbers continue to remain low.
Patients who have not heard from their surgeon’s office about rescheduling, are encouraged to reach out to their physician for details on rescheduling.
