Frisbie CEO Scionti: Surge hasn't affected inpatient, outpatient procedures

Frisbie Memorial Hospital's Emergency Room parking lot; inset, Frisbie CEO Jeff Scionti (Rochester Voice file photos)

The Rochester Voice recently reached out to Frisbie Memorial Hospital CEO Jeff Scionti for an update on COVID-19 hospitalizations at the hospital. The interview was held remotely just prior to Christmas Eve and within New Hampshire's COVID-19 guidelines.

Rochester Voice: How many COVID cases are currently being treated at Frisbie?

Jeff Scionti: Currently we have 5 COVID Positive Inpatients

Rochester Voice: Are any on ventilators?

Jeff Scionti: None on Ventilators

Rochester Voice: Are you still doing elective surgeries?
Jeff Scionti: Yes, we have capacity to continue to perform both Inpatient and Outpatient elective surgeries.

Rochester Voice: Can you give a number on how many COVID patients might cause a cessation of elective surgeries?
Jeff Scionti: There is no actual number as it depends on the bed availability and staffing. Outpatient surgery has very little impact on management of COVID inpatients. Inpatient elective surgery could be affected based on the availability of the Inpatient beds occupied by a COVID patient population. That number has not had an impact on our ability to perform Inpatient elective surgery at this time. We continue to monitor to ensure we have appropriate beds available.

Rochester Voice: Overall, how is staff coping and when do you think they might receive the vaccine
Jeff Scionti: Staff have been very receptive and began to receive the vaccine on Dec 16. We are focusing on the state guidelines for vaccination of the most effected healthcare workers for a COVID-19 patient interaction such as our Emergency department, ICU, COVID direct patient care workers and then working through the rest of the facility based on risk.