Given the evolving situation with COVID-19, the rise in community positivity rates, and the demand on staffing resources presented throughout our system, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital has made the difficult decision to put some services temporarily on hold.
- POMH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab: Temporarily closed effective today for approximately 6 weeks. The department is tentatively scheduled to reopen in January 2022, however that will be determined based on the situation in the community and staffing.
- Benzonia Lab: Temporarily closing as of Monday, Dec. 13 for approximately 8 weeks. Please direct patients to POMH lab.
Reducing these services allows us to redeploy our clinical staff to support critical services, including POMH Long-Term Care and the POMH monoclonal (mAb) clinic.
“Thank you for your understanding as we make these difficult decisions,” said James Barker, South Region President for Munson Healthcare, President & CEO of Manistee Hospital and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. “We know this change in service causes a disruption for both patients and the Healthcare Team, and ask for your patience as we work through these staffing challenges.”
Staffing shortages have increased as a result of the pandemic. MHC’s Human Resources team is working hard to recruit both temporary immediate resources, as well as full-time resources. We continue to monitor staffing and have critical conversations regarding suspending services, shifting scarce resources and, as a region and state, working closely to address our current crisis.