Pella Regional Health Center is suspending all elective surgeries, effective today.

Pella Regional will continue surgical procedures that are emergent or deemed necessary by physicians and surgeons. CEO Bob Kroese says visitor restrictions remain in place to try and protect staff and patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Suspending these elective surgeries will help limit the risk of exposure to our patients, community and to our staff, while also conserving medical supplies, medical beds, and other resources,” said Bob Kroese, Chief Executive Officer at Pella Regional.

Surgeries scheduled March 23 and forward will be postponed, with the exception of emergent or time-sensitive procedures. Patients who have scheduled surgeries or procedures will be contacted by physicians or Pella Regional staff.

While no cases have been reported in Marion County, Kroese says the hospital is paying close attention to new information from the Iowa Department of Public Health and CDC to ensure they are as ready as they can be to help those who need it.