PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A state-run psychiatric hospital in Rhode Island has suspended all medical staff vacation in response to a rising number of coronavirus cases among patients and workers.
“We regretfully are canceling all direct care patient support vacations” effective midnight Nov. 25, according to a letter to Eleanor Slater Hospital staff, The Providence Journal reported.
The letter also said, “We hope this vacation hold is temporary as we recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff and the need for time off.”
The letter was signed by Kathryn Power, director of the state Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, which oversees the Cranston facility.
A Slater spokesman earlier this week confirmed that 14 patients and 35 staffers had tested positive for the virus.
Another hospital group, Lifespan, previously issued an appeal for retired doctors and nurses to return to work, and even sought medical students and intern, to help relieve the medical staff shortage.n operates Rhode Island, Miriam, Hasbro Children’s and Newport hospitals.
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