UCHealth cuts surgeries after sterilization staffing drops below safe levels

By Erica Carbajal | Becker’s Hospital Review

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora is postponing some elective surgery cases amid staffing issues within its sterile processing department. 

The department is currently operating at reduced capacity, a UCHealth spokesperson said in a statement shared with Becker’s. 

“Until the SPD is at full capacity, some elective cases will be postponed to ensure we have the instruments needed to provide all urgent and emergent surgeries and procedures,” the statement said. 

The hospital said it has increased staffing in the department, and sterilization levels are beginning to return to normal.

“We sincerely apologize to the patients impacted by the elective case postponements, and we will reschedule their cases as quickly as possible,” the hospital said. 

In a July 22 statement shared with Becker’s, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said it is conducting a “complaint investigation” at the hospital. Such investigations typically are prompted when an individual contacts the health department with concerns.

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