CEO Discusses Re-Introducing Surgeries & Other Services at Confluence Health

Governor Jay Inslee has allowed hospitals to resume performing certain surgeries and procedures. Confluence Health CEO, Dr. Peter Rutherford, stated while this is welcome news, Confluence will be taking a slow and careful approach to re-introducing surgeries at the facility.

"I think there's a lot of planning that needs to go into this in conjunction with public health and our infection control folks so that we maintain the safety of everybody in our facilities as well as all of our employees," said Dr. Rutherford.

Confluence Health has set up additional disinfection criteria and procedures. Folks that qualify for surgeries that fit Governor Inslee's 'harm' definition, meaning people at risk of worsening health problems, pain or lesser mobility, will have to undergo an extra step.

"We will be starting to test everyone prior to any surgery which requires an incubation for COVID in the two or three days prior to their surgery," said Dr. Rutherford.

Surgeries will be prioritized by urgency due to a backup of delayed surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Confluence is starting to allow outpatient services such as chronic condition treatment and preventive services. There is a masking policy in place for all patients and staff working with patients.