Throughout the fall we’ve heard state officials like Governor Kathy Hochul promise additional staff and resources to hospitals and facilities struggling to remain at full-manpower after the COVID-19 vaccine mandate went into effect.
The mandate, which took effect for healthcare workers at qualifying facilities in late-September, became fully-enforceable in November.
However, it took until the second week of December for that manpower to arrive locally.
Staff from Northwell Health arrived over the weekend to Strong Memorial Hospital to assist with the rise of COVID-19 cases in the Rochester and Finger Lakes area.
“I want to thank Northwell Health for answering the call to action and partnering with us to send a team of extraordinarily skilled nurses that will boost hospital capacity and help us bring the numbers down in Western New York,” Hochul said after the arrival.
The arrival of extra staff comes after the state imposed restrictions on non-essential, elective procedures at 32 facilities. Many questioned the timing, asking why these resources had not been deployed before drastic measures had to be taken.
It’s unclear how long the 16 nurses from Northwell will remain at Strong Memorial Hospital, or whether other struggling hospitals will get staff too.
At this point, there is no indication when, or if, other facilities in the Finger Lakes will get assistance with manpower.
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