NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael P. Hughes (716) 983-3731

mhughes@kaleidahealth.org

KALEIDA HEALTH UPDATES ON COVID-19

NEW YORK STATE MANDATING NEW SURGE PLANS FOR HOSPITALS

BUFFALO, N.Y (March 21, 2020) - The New York State Department of Health has
instructed hospitals across the State to update their recently submitted “surge” pandemic
plans.

The goal is to increase hospital inpatient bed capacity by 50% to help fight the ongoing
coronavirus health crisis.

Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, M.D. held a conference call Friday with dozens of
hospital executives from across the State and outlined the new mandate. Governor Andrew
Cuomo announced the new initiative during his media briefing today (see attached).

“We have taken the approach that the surge is likely coming and that a major spike in
positive coronavirus cases will result in sicker patients and increased admissions across the
community and our health system,” said Jody L. Lomeo. “Having regulatory relief and clear
direction from the State can only help us as we move forward.”

For Kaleida Health, increasing bed capacity by 50% could include any or all of the following:
 Re-opening beds at DeGraff Memorial Hospital.
 Additional intensive care beds at all sites (Bradford Regional Medical Center, Buffalo
General Medical Center, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban
Hospital, Oishei Children’s Hospital and Olean General Hospital).
 Doubling up private rooms and conversion of old hospital rooms/space.
 Utilization of ambulatory surgery space and ambulatory surgery centers.
 Redeployment of required medical equipment (ventilators, patient beds, etc.).

Lomeo said increasing bed capacity will only increase the need for additional personnel.

He added, “We are and will continue to be creative in all areas so we can maximize ancillary
staff, nursing and physicians.”

State leaders have said that these capacity surge plans will now include:
 Scope of practice change for physicians and all licensed personnel.
 Partnering with labor unions on establishing dedicated coronavirus care teams.
 Bringing back physicians and nurses who may have recently retired Expediting
graduates of health sciences, nursing and medical school programs.

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COVID-19 CASE
March 21, 2020

Kaleida Health also released the following updates and reminders regarding the COVID-19
(coronavirus) pandemic:

 HOSPITALS IN NEED OF MASKS: Hospitals in Western New York are competing

nationally and internationally for resources. Kaleida Health is asking for the community’s
help in protecting staff in the coming weeks by donating unused masks they may have:
o Any N95 and Non-N95 mask donations will be accepted.
o N95 masks that are in high need are:
 3M 1860 model (size regular and small)
 Halyard model #46767 and 46867
o To help contact the Kaleida Health Coronavirus Command Center:
 Phone (716) 859-2200
 Email coronaviruscommandcenter@kaleidahealth.org

 STAY HOME MESSAGE: In an effort to reinforce the message of staying home, social
distancing, and only participating in small gatherings, Kaleida Health has released a
public service campaign. The community’s support of these recommendations is vital to
their staff’s ability to manage patient care. See here: https://vimeo.com/399200724

 IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC – As a reminder, per the Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention (CDC) and the Erie County Health Department (ECDOH) if you think you
have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or if you develop a fever and symptoms, such as
cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. DO NOT
COME TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OR HOSPITAL.

 IF YOU GET SICK WITH FEVER (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble
breathing:
o First, call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms
o Avoid contact with others. Stay home when you are sick.
o Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
o Before seeking health care, call ahead to the facility and tell them your situation.
They will give you instructions on how to access care without exposing other
people to your illness.

For testing information please call your healthcare provider. DO NOT CALL THE HOSPITAL
OR COME TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. Communications have been sent by the
ECDOH to healthcare providers regarding testing guidelines.

Healthcare providers will need to determine whether or not the individual needs to be
tested. If the healthcare provider approves your testing, your provider (not the individual)
will contact the ECDOH.

Finally, the individual will be notified by the Erie County Department of Health if he or she
came in contact with someone who tested positive in Erie County.

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