SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– Hospitals around Central New York are short staffed because of the mandate and have been forced to make adjustments to make more efficient use of their workers. Here at Upstate Medical they’ve temporarily closed 22 of their 35 operating rooms as a result.
Tuesday was the first day where all healthcare workers in the state of New York must be vaccinated in some capacity. Despite the mandate, many still refused to get the vaccine which left some of their vaccinated colleagues frustrated.
Dr. Lisa Olson-Gugerty is one healthcare worker who saw a lack of seriousness from her coworkers in approaching the situation surrounding the vaccine.
“We’re supposed to represent the best and the brightest and I can’t say I think that’s the case for those [who resist the vaccine]– I worked with a colleague who point blank told patients that this was really just a government plot,” Dr. Olson-Gugerty said.
Hospitals around central New York were short staffed because of the mandate and they were forced to make adjustments to make more efficient use of the workers they have. here at Upstate University Hospital had to temporarily close 22 of their 35 operating rooms as a result, and St. Joseph’s Hospital also consolidated their operating rooms.
The staff shortages left healthcare workers like Dr. Olson-Gugerty working strenuous hours in order to ensure patients still get the care they deserve. It took a toll.
“We’re exhausted. My friends… we’re tired. We’re saddened, we’re discouraged,” Dr. Olson Gugerty said.
In order to compensate for the shortage of workers, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order allowing her to deploy medically trained National Guard members to assist in care.
