HATTIESBURG — Hattiesburg Clinic announced Thursday it will resume certain elective surgeries and procedures.
Last week, Gov. Tate Reeves announced his “Safer at Home” order that went into effect on Monday.
During the announcement, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, state health officer, referenced the Mississippi State Department of Health’s new order as the guide for which types of elective surgeries and procedures should be considered now.
The types of elective surgeries and procedures that may be provided are defined by the state Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Surgeons, said Tommy Thornton, executive director of Hattiesburg Clinic. “As in the past, emergency visits, surgeries and procedures will be provided. Telehealth visits will be the priority for routine follow-up with patients,” he said.
In addition to national and state guidance, Dr. Bryan Batson, who is leading Hattiesburg Clinic’s COVID-19 response efforts, emphasized the importance of adhering to local leadership recommendations, stating the clinic is in constant communication with Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker and other local organizations regarding what is happening in the area.
“The input of our medical community is critical in how we recover from this pandemic. We take that responsibility very seriously,” Batson said. “We encourage patients to communicate with their health care team so they understand the extra measures we are taking in the best interest of their safety, and the well-being of our physicians, advance practice providers, and staff during this unprecedented time.”
He continued to say that in the upcoming weeks and months the clinic will maintain a conservative approach in opening more health care services to “safely provide care for our neighbors, friends, and family.”
