As noted in a December 16 New York State Department of Health (DOH) directive (attached), GNYHA and Northwell Health were asked to support hospital coordination efforts related to the COVID-19 surge in the downstate region (New York City, Long Island, and Westchester). We are employing numerous strategies to fulfill this role, including data monitoring, pairing independent hospitals with large health systems to ensure that hospitals have transfer agreements in place to support load balancing, and routine coordination calls with hospital and health system leaders. Thanks to all our members for your help with these efforts.
Using these strategies, we are building an early warning system to identify and address any emerging pressure points. To support members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, GNYHA has established a dedicated hotline and e-mail address. DOH also has reactivated its Hospital Capacity Coordination Center (HCCC). A December 20 notification (attached) sent to hospital administrators outlines when they should contact the HCCC. The pertinent contact information is provided in the table below.
Entity | Availability | Contact |
---|---|---|
GNYHA COVID-19 Response Team | 24 hours, 7 days a week | (973) 814-9412 cvresponse@gnyha.org |
DOH HCCC | 24 hours, 7 days a week | (917) 909-2676 |