Surgical program to be cut back to 70 percent capacity
Starting today, Niagara Health is temporarily ramping down its surgical program to 70 percent capacity, due to pressures with patient volumes and staff and physician illness.
In a release, officials say this is being done so more beds can be used for patients with COVID-19 and other urgent health issues.
"Niagara Health has been working to catch up on our surgical backlog created during earlier waves", the statement reads. "It is very unfortunate that we must ramp down surgeries again, knowing how important it is for patients to receive safe, quality surgical care on a timely basis. However, the ramp down is a necessary measure given the urgent need to address the current and anticipated pressures from this sixth wave."
Niagara Health notes patients impacted by postponements will be contacted directly to rebook procedures.
Due to heightened pressures on emergency departments, patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or make an appointment with Niagara Health Virtual Urgent Care.
Currently, Niagara Health is treating 83 patients with COVID-19, 39 being treated primarily for the virus.
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