Ambulatory Surgery Centers prepare for another cold season with this look back on lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri 2021. 

For the past year, we have all been dealing with the repercussions of the coronavirus. For ambulatory surgery centers, in particular, this has meant postponing and/or canceling procedures.

When Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society’s (TASCS) members were polled on the pros and cons of the pandemic, it was found that telemedicine improved communication with patients, extra efforts were put into sanitizing and leaders felt more prepared for future emergencies. On the other hand, there were worries over PPE shortages, understaffing, and finances.

On top of all of this, Texas surgery centers also faced Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.

Along with freezing temperatures came icy roads, power outages and changes in water supply, ranging from no water or low pressure to burst pipes and boil-water notices. This state of emergency also led, once more, to ASCs having to cancel or postpone procedures.

Since so many were affected by the storm and were working extra hours to get patients rescheduled and centers back open, TASCS shared resources (such as what to do if a center had damage from the storm) and talked with members about what they learned during this time.

Tammy Stanfield, who is the administrator/director of nursing at North Pines Surgery Center, stated that her facility’s HVAC system is not on generator backup power. “Therefore, the building was extremely cold when we got a chance to check on it. If there is a time when the main power goes off and the generator is running, everything ceases once current cases are completed. The building was terminally cleaned prior to resuming cases, as well.”

Additionally, on the topic of generators, one center learned to treat the diesel fuel that operates the generator, as it turns to gel if untreated when the temperature goes below 20 degrees. Another center learned to shut generators off when closing a center for a storm and when extended power outages are expected, as those in ASCs are used to provide power to complete in-progress procedures only.

Ceila Smith, Houston Premier Surgery Center in The Villages’ administrator, discussed how frozen and burst plumbing affected daily operations. “The City of Houston's water pressure dropped below 20 pounds per square inch, triggering a water advisory. Our building was impacted by low-to-no water pressure then the water advisory. We consulted with other ASCs, infection control coordinators and SETRAC to be sure we were implementing all necessary measures before resuming patient care.”

A final center mentioned scheduling a prep day before opening, where those who can make it in check that everything is in order before resuming business. This would be a good time to run sterilizers, test generators and check on pipes, water pressure, internet and phone lines (which could be down, even if power is back). Since a storm changes up the schedule, the center also reminded everyone how important it is to know what is in stock; make sure the supplies, instruments and equipment that are needed for rescheduled procedures are available.  

This year, TASCS has been providing members with even more education and opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other. There are regular virtual town hall events, blog posts, newsletters, polls and social media posts that cover everything from advocacy and accreditation to patient safety and reporting. This information ensures ASCs can keep working to provide high-quality, cost-effective care … in a pandemic, during a winter storm and beyond.