By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Arizona Capitol Times
Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday he’s looking to restore the ability of financially struggling Arizona hospitals to once again do elective surgeries.
The governor said he issued the directive last month to ensure that there is an adequate supply of personal protective equipment — masks, gowns and gloves — to handle what is expected to be a surge in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19.
That peak is not expected until the end of this month and possibly into May.
But in the meantime, Holly Ward, spokeswoman for the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, said her members are hemorrhaging money because they’ve lost that business. And she said there needs to be financial relief — and soon — to keep the doors open.
Ducey said he understands the problem.
