WEBSTER, N.Y. — The release of COVID-19-positive patients from the hospital to a local nursing and rehabilitation facility has some relatives worried about the potential spread of the virus.

"We’re just very, very afraid of everything that’s going on over there," said Sheryl Goldwasser of Webster.


What You Need To Know

  • Hill Haven Rehabilitation & Transitional Care Center is part of Rochester Regional Health

  • RRH is one of five New York State hospital systems authorized by Governor Cuomo’s executive order allowing for the discharging of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, but who still test positive

  • The New York State Department of Health approved the plan to alleviate some stress on hospitals

  • RRH says it encourages families to reach out with concerns

Goldwasser is talking about Hill Haven Rehabilitation & Transitional Care Center in Webster, part of Rochester Regional Health. 

It is where Sheryl’s twin sister, Sharyn Ritchie, resides and is being treated for kidney and lung disease.

"She has dialysis three times a week," said Goldwasser.

RRH is one of five New York State hospital systems authorized by Governor Cuomo’s executive order. It allows for the discharging of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, but who still test positive, to COVID-19-positive only facilities. Rochester Regional is now releasing these patients to Hill Haven.

"It’s really scary now that they’re bringing these other people in," said Goldwasser.

A RRH spokesperson says the recovered COVID-19 patients are being housed separately at a building called Empire Manor. It’s a temporary COVID-dedicated nursing home on the Hill Haven campus. RRH says Empire Manor functions as its own entity, separate from Hill Haven Rehabilitation & Transitional Care Center. Officials at Rochester Regional say that the COVID-19 unit, Empire Manor, has dedicated staff for those patients only.

During a video call with her family, Sharyn Ritchie reacted to the news

"Oh my God, I couldn’t believe it. Now we’re back to 14 days again. See that’s why I don’t want nobody coming in, see?" she said.

The New York State Department of Health approved the plan to alleviate some stress on hospitals. Rochester Regional says Empire Manor provides specialized care to COVID-19 patients who require skilled nursing care while preventing the risk of further transmission.

"Now they’re going to do this new thing where they’re taking other COVID people there at Hill Haven, I just don’t know how that’s going to work," said Goldwasser.

RRH says its priority has always been and continues to be the safety and health of its residents and that it’s fully transparent with families.

RRH says it encourages families to reach out if they have concerns.