Brooks-TLC Hospital System has confirmed its obstetrics department is “significantly strained” following a New York state mandate that went into effect Monday that requires health-care staff to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a news release issued Thursday afternoon, the health-care institution said 92% of its staff is vaccinated. Additionally, the hospital is reaching out for assistance when it comes to its maternity department.

“Our pre-existing staffing concerns in support services and OB, as well as a national nursing shortage, are further compounded by the vaccine mandate,” said Mary LaRowe, president and chief executive officer at Brooks-TLC. “We have been able to offset immediate capacity restraints affecting each department to keep support services open.

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However, our OB department is significantly strained by a combination of staffing challenges along with the mandate. Contingency planning for OB services is ongoing and in collaboration with our partners in Buffalo, particularly Oishei Children’s and with our local obstetrics and gynecological service providers.”

Hospital officials said the state Department of Health is aware of the situation and is gathering support to help Brooks-TLC during this time. The Health Department and all other health-care organizations are closely monitoring a court decision regarding religious exemptions and how that may impact staffing in the near future.

Brooks-TLC remains committed to providing quality and compassionate health care in the communities it serves.

The John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo is the regional center for comprehensive and state-of-the-art pediatric trauma, surgical and medical care, including neonatal, perinatal and obstetrical services. Oishei Children’s specializes in making childbirth a special experience for all women. Its caring team of healthcare providers combines a state-of-the-art facility with family-centered care.

Brooks-TLC also renewed restrictions on visitors this week due to rising COVID-19 numbers. UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown reports 97% of its staff has been vaccinated and Westfield Memorial noted 84% through the state Hospital Emergency Response Data System.

2 NEW COVID DEATHS REPORTED

Two new COVID-19-related deaths were reported Thursday by the Chautauqua County Department of Health. That raises the total to 183 such fatalities to date in the county.

The health department also recorded 84 new cases of the virus, with 35 involving people residing in the Jamestown zip code and 11 in Dunkirk.

There are currently 433 active cases, 37 people with the virus in the hospital and 1,287 in quarantine. To date there have been 12,019 total cases and 11,403 recoveries.