Brooks-TLC Hospital

Two of Chautauqua County’s hospitals are among 32 facilities across New York state that will begin limiting non-essential surgeries this week.

The move follows an executive order signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and is in response to a growing concern over hospital bed availability during the latest surge in people testing positive for COVID-19 and who are requiring medical care. The limiting of non-essential, non-urgent procedures is slated to begin Thursday, the state Department of Health announced, and includes UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown and Brooks-TLC Hospital in Dunkirk.

Brian Durniok, UPMC Chautauqua president, said there are some procedures the hospital will still be able to offer.

“Daily, we evaluate everything happening at all our hospitals and outpatient sites to best serve our patients and communities at all times, including during the global pandemic,” he said. “Although a scheduled procedure may be described as ‘elective,’ that does not equate to unnecessary. There are multiple procedures not affected by the order, for example, diagnostic cancer testing or transplant surgery.

“We thoughtfully evaluate planned and scheduled procedures to ensure we are providing the best care that is needed for every one of our patients. The timing for scheduled procedures involve individual conversations and decisions between the patient and their care team.”

The state Health Department will reassess hospitals in two weeks by looking at how many beds are available.

Other hospitals in Western New York that will be required to limit surgeries include Erie County Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center, Sisters of Charity Hospital and Wyoming County Community Hospital.