May 8, 2020

Beginning May 11, the Governor’s “Restore Illinois” plan allows elective procedures and surgeries to once again be performed. SIU Medicine providers will be performing procedures and surgeries at a variety of hospitals. Each hospital has slightly different restrictions, processes and prioritization criteria. Patients will be tested for COVID-19 prior to surgery to ensure the safety of the patient and the medical team. Each hospital will work with you to coordinate the required testing prior to your surgery or procedure. Emergent surgeries will be done without testing as we are currently doing. Hospitals have also set up different methods to communicate and keep families informed about their loved one during and after the procedure.

SIU Medicine will also resume procedures and minor surgeries in our clinics. These types of procedures and minor surgeries are different than the types performed in the hospital. For some patients, a procedure at an SIU Medicine clinic will require COVID-19 testing. There are many other minor procedures that do not require testing but will require the use of specific personal protective equipment. Your SIU Medicine provider and their teams will coordinate the COVID-19 testing with you if it is required. SIU Medicine will also continue to maintain our current policies for infection control, which includes the wearing of masks by patients and certain visitor restrictions. As always, it is our top priority to provide the health care you need in the safest environment for our patients and our staff.

Thank you for trusting SIU Medicine with your health care needs.