AdventHealth Moves To “Black Status;” Defers Non-Emergency Surgeries

Daytona Beach, FL - Citing a surge of COVID-19 cases, AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division has transitioned into "black status," meaning the hospital network will defer non-emergency surgeries again as health care workers are redeployed to deal with the influx. According to a press release from AdventHealth, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients surpassed 1,060 people. “We have peaked above any previous waves and it is straining our system, physicians and team members,” said Dr. Neil Finkler, chief clinical officer of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, during a Friday (July 30) media briefing.  “None of these patients thought they would get the virus. But the Delta variant has proven to be so highly contagious, that even the young and healthy – including the pregnant – are filling up our hospitals.” Dr. Finkler added that more than 90 percent of COVID-19 patients who are currently hospitalized are unvaccinated. Those who are fully vaccinated and hospitalized with the virus typically have other comorbidities such as cancer or autoimmune diseases. “We are asking our community to help us,” said Linnette Johnson, a chief nursing officer with AdventHealth Central Florida. “Our health system—not just AdventHealth, but all health systems—need this pandemic to end.” Both Johnson and Finkler implored residents to get the vaccine. They also recommended people follow the latest CDC guidance to wear masks indoors or in crowds whether you are vaccinated or not. AdventHealth stated that the black status will remain in effect until at least next week. On top of deferring non-emergency surgeries, the change to black status also means all hospital-based outpatient procedures will be deferred; outpatient surgery sites will only conduct time sensitive and urgent procedures; and time sensitive pediatric procedures can be conducted with approval of the chief medical officer Patients will be notified if their procedure will be canceled. If you’re looking to get vaccinated but don’t know where to go, be sure to visit the Florida Department of Health’s vaccination webpage.