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By JEAN D’AGOSTINO
Brooks-TLC Hospital System has confirmed that its Obstetrics Department is “Considerably strained” following a New York state warrant that came into effect Monday that requires healthcare workers to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the health facility said 92% of its staff are vaccinated. In addition, the hospital is asking for help with its maternity ward.
“Our pre-existing staffing issues in support services and obstetrics, as well as a national shortage of nurses, are further compounded by the immunization mandate,” said Mary LaRowe, President and CEO of Brooks-TLC. “We were able to compensate for the immediate capacity constraints affecting each department to keep support services open.
See BROOKS, page A5
However, our OB service is severely strained by a combination of staffing and tenure challenges. Contingency planning for obstetrics services is ongoing and in collaboration with our partners in Buffalo, particularly Oishei Children’s, and with our local obstetric and gynecological service providers.
Hospital officials said the state Department of Health was aware of the situation and was gathering support to help Brooks-TLC during this time. The Department of Health and all other healthcare organizations are closely monitoring a court ruling regarding religious exemptions and how this might impact staff in the near future.
Brooks-TLC remains committed to providing quality, compassionate health care in the communities it serves.
The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo is the regional center for comprehensive and state-of-the-art pediatric trauma, surgical and medical care, including neonatal, perinatal and obstetric services. Oishei Children’s specializes in making childbirth a special experience for all women. Its caring team of healthcare providers combines a state-of-the-art facility with family-centered care.
Brooks-TLC also renewed restrictions on visitors this week due to the increase in the number of COVID-19. The UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown reports that 97% of its staff have been vaccinated and Westfield Memorial noted 84% via the state hospital’s emergency response data system.
2 NEW COVID DEATHS REPORTED
Two new COVID-19-related deaths were reported by the Chautauqua County Health Department on Thursday. That brings the total to 183 of those deaths so far in the county.
The health service also recorded 84 new cases of the virus, including 35 involving people residing in the Jamestown postal code and 11 in Dunkirk.
There are currently 433 active cases, 37 people infected with the virus in hospital and 1,287 in quarantine. To date, there have been 12,019 total cases and 11,403 recoveries.
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