Delta COVID surge and staffing issues prompt some surgery delays

[WCCO-TV News, September 15, 2021] The COVID-19 pandemic has been an 18-month grind that’s only become more grueling for health care workers, so much so that their numbers are dwindling.

Allina Health is managing staffing issues, so much so that it is now delaying some elective surgeries so long as the delay has no serious medical consequence.

“People typically have set aside time away from work, and arranged for child care, and arranged their lives around procedures that require hospitalization. And so it’s a big effect. We don’t take this lightly at all,” said Dr. Robert Quickel, vice president of surgical services.