Safety measures will be put in place to minimize the spread of coronavirus as hospitals work to offer more services. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

Officials with Ascension Saint Thomas, which has medical office locations in Davidson and Williamson counties, announced May 1 it will begin a phased process to resume procedures beginning May 4.

According to a release from Ascension Saint Thomas, facilities will continue to implement precautions to minimize the spread of coronavirus, such as checking temperatures and limiting visitors. All patients who are scheduled for procedures will be required to undergo screening for COVID-19 and may be tested if needed.

Its important we take careful and measured steps to ensure a safe and gradual return to providing full access to health care services while also continuing to serve and support individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19, said Dr. Greg James, chief clinical officer of Ascension Saint Thomas, in a release. As these events unfold, patients can expect expanded access to healthcare services with enhanced safeguards to ensure our sites of care continue to serve as healing environmentswhere quality care is delivered with the highest levels of safety and compassion.

In addition to patient screenings, facilities will be disinfected frequently, all visitors will be required to wear masks, and appointments will be staggered to limit the number of people in waiting rooms.

Individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of hearts attacks, strokes, mental health emergencies or other injuries are still urged to go to the emergency room for treatment, according to Ascension Saint Thomas officials.

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Ascension Saint Thomas works toward resuming elective health care procedures in Tennessee - Community Impact Newspaper