Officials of the Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network, noting their organizations are in regular communication with each other with respect to the impact of coronavirus COVID-19, have issued a joint message regarding surgical services by both networks.

In that message, the two leading hospitals state:

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surgeon general, Jerome Adams, MD, and the American College of Surgeons have recommended hospitals limit elective surgical procedures. These measures are intended to allow hospitals to be prepared for the anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases, as well as to limit patient and caregiver exposure.

LVHN and St. Luke’s say some elective surgeries will be postponed. This will not affect urgent /emergency surgery or any other elective surgery where delay could cause a negative impact on our patients’ health.”

Hospital spokespersons said patients whose procedures are postponed are being contacted individually. They note postponing elective surgeries will help prevent the spread of disease and help the hospitals to conserve precious resources such as blood, ventilators and protective equipment for providers.

The joint statement continued, “Both LVHN and St. Luke’s have taken measures to promote the safety and health of the communities we serve, but we can’t do it alone. Each person plays a major role during this unprecedented crisis.”

Meanwhile, the hospitals issued a list of steps the public can take to help ensure safety. It includes:

• Wash your hands – Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day, especially after touching commonly touched surfaces, before eating and after using the restroom.

• Avoid large crowds – The best thing you can do for the safety of everyone in our community is stay home. Minimizing exposure to the virus is our first and best line of defense.

• Know the symptoms – A dry cough, fever and chest tightness are all symptoms of COVID-19.

• Continue with healthy habits – Keep your scheduled doctors’ appointments and procedures.

• Stay-up-to-date – Stay connected by checking updates from your health network’s website (SLHN.org/covid-19 or LVHN.org/covid19).

• Stay home – If you feel sick, contact your health provider and he/she will inform you of next steps. We are reserving COVID-19 tests for people who exhibit symptoms to conserve resources. You can use the following methods to contact a health provider at your preferred health network:

LVHN - complete an E-Visit (detailed questionnaire visit submitted to a provider) by visiting MyLVHN.org or your MyLVHN app; call the MyLVHN Nurse Information line at 1-888-402-LVHN; and complete an LVHN Video Visit by downloading the MyLVHN app.

St. Luke’s - call your St. Luke’s Physician Group practice; download the St. Luke’s app and utilize the video visit feature to connect with a doctor; call St. Luke’s Coronavirus hotline at 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 7; and email: coronavirus@sluhn.org.

The two hospitals, meanwhile, have implemented common hospital visitation restrictions to limit any confusion in the community. The “No Visitation, No Access Policy” has been implemented for all LVHN and St. Luke’s hospitals and outpatient facilities. You can read those policies at SLHN.org/covid-19 and LVHN.org/covid19.