Brownwood News – Brownwood Regional Medical Center plans to resume outpatient surgeries and elective procedures on May 11.  The hospital is following Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order allowing some elective surgeries and procedures in hospitals with a low or no-COVID-19 census.

The statement from BRMC is below.

Safety remains Brownwood Regional Medical Center’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 who enters the building, including staff, is screened, and all employees, physicians and patients are expected to wear masks. The daily number of procedures performed is being limited and furniture in waiting areas has been spaced to maintain appropriate social distancing. Cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and care-giving spaces has been intensified. Visitor restrictions for inpatients remain in effect, with exceptions for laboring mothers, pediatric patients, and end-of-life situations.

“As we reopen elective procedures, our physicians and caregivers are working diligently to keep every patient safe,” said Dr. Narendra Nigalye, 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.”

The safety of our patients, employees and medical staff remains our first priority as we developed – and now as we implement – our approach to resuming services.

We are moving forward with elective cases that may include:

  • Cardiac Procedures
  • stress testing
  • echocardiograms
  • catheterization lab services
  • peripheral procedures
  • Surgical Procedures
  • Imaging Services
  • mammography screenings (additional hours added for screenings)
  • interventional radiology procedures
  • Infusion therapy services

Surgeries or procedures that may require possible overnight stay or ICU/CCU admission will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Once your provider schedules your procedure, the process is as follows:

  • Patients will be receive a phone pre-op interview call with detailed instructions
  • Patients must provide and wear their own face covering or mask
  • Patients will register day of procedure
  • If labs are needed, they will be provided day of procedure

Plans are in place to begin accepting patients on June 1st for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Sleep Studies.  If you need those services, please call your provider. More information will be forthcoming on other services to be added in the future.

For your safety and the safety of our staff, we have set up Non-COVID-19-care zones. They 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 grouped together in the same unit away from all other patients.

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

All patients scheduling surgery or other invasive procedures will be screened 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, many physician practices are opening back up with limited hours. Telehealth will continue to be available for visits as needed. Clinic staff will be kept to a minimum to maintain appropriate social distancing. Appointments will be staggered and patients will come in one at a time to minimize wait times.

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. Hours in several areas will be extended to help catch up on cases that had been postponed.

To help answer patients’ questions about scheduling your surgical needs, please contact your provider for more information.