DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Brooks-TLC Hospital System in Dunkirk is now open again for elective surgeries. The hospital announced Friday that it met New York State protocol to re-open for elective out-patients surgeries.
Under its re-opening plan, the hospital will begin offering in-demand out-patient procedures, including colonoscopies, eye surgeries, simple orthopedic surgeries, and other surgeries that don't require hospitalization.
“We realize there is pent-up demand for these services, and we want to our doctors, nurses and their staffs to again perform these elective, out-patient surgeries,” said President and CEO Mary E. LaRowe. “Overall, it’s a good sign for our region that we’ve collectively met the state’s criteria for resuming these surgeries in the time of COVID.”
The NYS Department of Health rules state that a hospital must have at least 30 percent of its standard beds and 30 percent of its intensive-care unit beds available if needed in case of any surge in inpatient admissions. The hospital must also have fewer than 10 COVID-19 inpatient admissions in a 10-day look-back period. Brooks-TLC was able to do that for the period April 17-27 and that initiated its re-opening.
Brooks Hospital System treated seven confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The re-opening of the hospital to elective surgeries coincides with National Nurses Week.
