COVID Delays Elective Surgeries In Somerset, Hunterdon Hospitals

NEW JERSEY — Elective surgeries are being postponed at New Jersey hospitals including in Somerset and Hunterdon Counties due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington and Community Medical Center in Toms River all announced this change.

"Due to an increased volume of patients, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has rescheduled elective surgeries that could safely be postponed for this week and the following," Kathleen Roberts, a hospital spokeswoman.

Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington is also following suit.

"Due to the overwhelming number of cases of COVID-19 in our hospital and community, Hunterdon Medical Center will be postponing elective surgeries and endoscopic procedures at the hospital until further notice," said Kathleen Seelig, a hospital spokeswoman.

This only applies to the elective surgeries and endoscopic procedures performed inside Hunterdon Medical Center.

Elective surgeries and endoscopic procedures scheduled at Bridgewater Ambulatory Surgery Center and the Hunterdon Center for Surgery are not being canceled and will continue as scheduled.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset has seen an increase in adult hospitalizations recently. Through Jan. 6, 72 percent of the hospital's adult beds were occupied; 24 percent of the adult beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients, according to federal data reported by NPR.

The average daily number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 is 78 as of Jan. 6.

Hunterdon Medical center is also seeing an increase. Through Jan. 6, 75 percent of the hospital's adult beds were occupied; 28 percent of the adult beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients, according to federal data reported by NPR.

The average daily number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 is 52 as of Jan. 6.

Recently both hospitals began restricting visitors once again due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the community. Read More: No Visitors Allowed At RWJBarnabas Hospitals As COVID Cases Surge

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This article originally appeared on the Bridgewater Patch