Order to limit elective procedures kicks in at some Capital Region hospitals

Four Capital Region hospitals will have to limit elective procedures.

They include Albany Medical Center, Saratoga Hospital, Glens Falls Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital.

The executive order by Gov. Hochul is designed to keep beds available for possible COVID patients.

It applies to facilities that have a bed capacity of 10% or lower.

The following procedures are not affected:

• Cancer, including the diagnostic procedure of suspected cancer
• Neurosurgery
• Intractable Pain
• Highly symptomatic patients
• Transplants
• Trauma
• Cardiac with symptoms
• Limb threatening vascular procedures
• Dialysis Vascular Access
• Patients that are at a clinically high risk of harm if their procedures are not completed

Health officials say you should contact your physician if you have an elective procedure scheduled. Don’t assume that your procedure is canceled.

Gov. Hochul says the pause will be reassessed on January 15.