Roper, Trident Healthcare Systems delaying some procedures due to COVID-19 surge

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) and Trident Healthcare on Thursday confirmed that some procedures are being delayed as more of the hospitals’ resources are diverted to COVID-19 patients.

RSFH said that the system is “experiencing a critical staffing and bed shortage.”

Beginning Monday, RSFH will be postponing “some surgeries requiring overnight stays and only allow emergent and urgent overnight stay surgical cases… Outpatient and ambulatory surgeries that do not require overnight stays will proceed as scheduled.”

The change is expected to last through September 10.

RSFH said the decision was made “to ensure continued high-quality care and patient safety.”

Leaders stressed the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, which are available at RSFH Express Care locations.

Trident Healthcare said that it has “paused surgeries requiring an inpatient bed, with the exception of emergency heart, stroke, and trauma-related cases.”

Currently, Trident is continuing outpatient procedures.

Trident did not indicate how long the pause will last.