Lower Keys Medical Center to Resume Outpatient Surgeries and Elective Procedures on May 4, 2020 

KEY WEST, FL, MAY 1, 2020 – Patients who have delayed surgery or other non-emergency procedures can now work with their physician to secure care as Lower Keys Medical Center resumes elective procedures and services starting May 4, 2020.

The hospital is following Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order allowing elective surgeries and procedures in hospitals with a low or no-COVID-19 census. Safety remains the hospital’s highest priority. 

Numerous precautions for infection prevention, access control, social distancing and patient flow are in place to maintain a safe environment of care. Everyone, including staff, is screened prior to entering our facilities, and all employees, physicians and patients are expected to wear masks. Furniture in waiting areas has been spaced to maintain appropriate social distancing. Cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and caregiving spaces has been intensified. Visitor restrictions for inpatients remain in effect, with exceptions for laboring mothers, pediatric patients, and end-of-life situations. No other visitors are permitted. 

“As we reopen elective procedures, our physicians and caregivers are working diligently to keep every patient safe,” said John Norris, III, MD, PA, Lower Keys Medical Center’s Chief of Staff. “It is important to reschedule healthcare procedures that have been delayed so health conditions do not deteriorate. We also want to remind everyone that it is safe – and necessary – to seek immediate help in an emergency department for serious health emergencies like chest pain, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening conditions.” 

 Non-COVID-19 care zones have been defined in the hospital, where patients who are screened as negative for COVID-19 will receive care from dedicated staff.  If, at any time, we are caring for COVID-19 positive patients in the hospital, those patients are isolated in a location away from all other patients. 

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our patients’ and caregivers’ health and safety have been our primary concern,” said David Clay, Lower Keys Medical Center CEO. “We are ramping up slowly to ensure safety for everyone.  Patients can be assured that we are taking every precaution to protect them.”

All patients scheduling surgery will be tested for COVID-19 in advance of the procedure. The hospital is closely monitoring its inventory of test kits, personal protective equipment, medications and other needed supplies to ensure sufficient resources to support the number of patients in care. 

At the same time, Keys Medical Group physician practices remain open with normal hours of operation. Telehealth will continue to be available for visits. A separate area in each office is provided for symptomatic patients.  

The hospital’s plan to restart elective procedures at the appropriate time is made in consultation with the board of trustees, medical executive committee and surgical leadership and follows all local, state and federal guidelines.

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