GOWANDA — Due to ongoing cases of COVID in the Brooks-TLC Hospital System service area and an earlier return to pandemic restrictions announced to its system-wide Visitation Policy, leadership at Gowanda Urgent Care and Medical Center reiterates that the visitation restriction applies to its campus as well. Additionally, the restrictions accompany a reduction of Radiology Services hours at the Gowanda campus, a result of staff shortages associated with the vaccine mandate.

The reinstated Patient Visitation Policy is in effect at all Brooks-TLC sites, including Gowanda Urgent Care and Medical Center, and restricts visitors with the following exceptions:

¯ Pediatric patients may have one support person remain with them through their visit

¯ Patients with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and patients with cognitive impairments, may designate one support person to remain with them through their visit

¯ Additional family and friends are asked to remain in their vehicles in compliance with the restrictions.

¯ A staffing shortage directly related to the vaccine mandate has resulted in the temporary decreased availability of Radiology Services. Effective immediately and until further notice, the Gowanda campus radiology department will be open as follows: Mondays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Persons needing radiology (X-ray) services outside of these dates and times are advised to visit Brooks-TLC’s radiology department at the Brooks-Hospital campus, 529 Central Ave., Dunkirk. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As has become best practice, approved visitors will be screened upon entrance and required to wear a mask, over both the mouth and nose, through the duration of their visit.