AdventHealth announces transition to “Red Status” as admissions slow

ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth announced Tuesday that its Central Florida division will transition to “Red Status,” beginning Sept. 1.

The move allows hospitals in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Volusia and Flagler counties to move forward with certain surgical procedures that had been suspended because of an increase in COVID-19 patients.

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Officials with AdventHealth said while it still has a significant number of COVID-19 patients, a slowdown in admissions allows for the change.

“We are thankful that we continue to see a downward trend of COVID patients in our hospitals and that will allow us to provide care to those who have had to delay certain procedures,” said Dr. Neil Finkler.

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According to AdventHealth, the following protocols apply under Red Status:

New surgical procedures are reduced to maximize efficiency
Only outpatient procedures with a same-day discharges are scheduled
Non-time-sensitive elective surgeries are deferred
Non-time-sensitive or non-emergent procedures must be approved by the campus chief medical officer
Outpatient surgery sites and pediatric surgeries continue as normal

AdventHealth said patients will be contacted by their physician’s office to schedule any new or previously scheduled procedures.

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AdventHealth said they will continue to make adjustments as necessary.