Photo by Natasha Matteliano

A crisis regarding staffing due to a state mandate over vaccinations for health-care workers has led Brooks-TLC Hospital System to temporarily reduce labor and delivery services starting on Monday.

In a news release issued Friday afternoon, the hospital said the contingency plan was developed in consultation with the New York State Department of Health and in coordination with Brooks-TLC’s providers and regional partners that support its obstetrics and gynecological services.

The contingency plan calls for:

• The remaining obstetrics staff to complement emergency services staff for emergent situations.

• On-call obstetrics providers and pediatricians to continue to be available for consultation and to support any OB patient.

• Mothers and newborns will be transferred to John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital or the facility of their choice for the post-partum recovery period.

• Patients nearing full-term should be in discussion with their provider to update and transition their birth plan to another facility.