Arizona health care leaders say hospitals may soon have to make tough decisions about treating COVID-19 patients amid rising cases of coronavirus infection crowding intensive care units.
The state’s largest hospital chain, Phoenix-based Banner Health, has suspended elective surgery starting Friday to free up capacity to treat COVID-19 patients.
Banner Health’s chief clinical officer says triage may be needed soon if the number of cases continues to grow.
Under triage protocols, patients who are less likely to have organ failure and are more likely to live longer are primarily given treatment.
Arizona was the first state after the virus outbreak to implement the triage protocols in July before cases receded.