Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Department of Health officials Friday issued guidance to hospitals on postponing and canceling elective procedures as hospital capacities continue to be strained.
Most hospitals in the region are at or near 90 percent capacity, with three facilities, Mercy, Sisters and ECMC listed this week as of particular capacity concern with less than 10 percent capacity remaining.
Monday the Department of Health is expected to offer more specific guidance to hospitals as to which facilities fall under Governor Kathy Hochul's November 26 Executive Order calling for the postponement of elective procedures.
The Executive Order does not impact any surgical procedures considered urgent or emergent.
Even prior to the order from the governor, area hospitals had begun to limit their elective surgeries as a self-regulating way to control capacities.
In a statement late Friday, Catholic Health said it is awaiting the specific guidance by facility but stresses they have already taken action to alleviate the occupancy crush. "Catholic Health began postponing inpatient elective procedures only at all of its hospitals in early November in response to the sharp rise in COVID-19 patients and corresponding surge in hospital capacity across the region."
"Throughout the past 90 days or so, where and when possible, we have cancelled or postponed non-essential surgeries," said Kaleida Health's Mike Hughes. "We will continue to monitor the capacity situation on an hour by hour, day by day basis."
Determinations will be issued to facilities by NYS Department of Health and will apply to procedures scheduled to occur on or after December 9th.
