BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Starting Friday, elective surgeries will be suspended at all hospitals throughout Erie County, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.
"Erie County has the most critical hospital situation in the state," Governor Cuomo said Monday during a coronavirus news conference. "Let's start to free up those hospital beds. If the situation continues to get worse, we'll stop elective surgeries in other parts of the state also."
Elective surgeries in March were suspended across New York State due to concerns about coronavirus and the limited number of beds available for anyone battling the disease that has killed thousands across the state and hundreds in Erie County.
The loss of elective surgeries was a major reason why many in the health care field lost their jobs or were furloughed. Some of the local hospitals make as much as $30 million per month on elective surgeries.
In June, elective surgeries were allowed again statewide.
Catholic Health announced earlier this month that they would suspend elective surgeries until December 5.
Kaleida issued a statement, which in part said, "Regarding elective surgeries, we have been working since the spring with our physician leaders across the health system to ensure that we are managing patient care and patient hardship during COVID-19. Last week, we began to postpone and reschedule non-emergent procedures that would require lengthy hospital stays. This was done in conjunction with Kaleida Health's Surgical Executive Committee.
As we are just learning about this issue via Governor Cuomo's daily update, we are awaiting official written directives from New York State. (For example, does this only mean elective/planned surgery that requires an overnight stay, does this impact same day procedures, offsite surgery centers, etc.).
Once we get further direction and information from New York State regarding restriction or resumption of cases, we will communicate appropriately with our physicians, staff and patients."
We have reached out to Catholic Health officials for comment.
