HealthWorks Guthrie Erwin Water Update

Guthrie routinely tests water for contaminants in all its facilities in accordance with New York State guidelines. Through a standard scheduled test at Guthrie Healthworks Erwin facility, a low positive presence of Legionella was noted on the recent results.

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) was immediately consulted. Professional remediation services were brought on site following the NYSDOH’s guidance. The process began yesterday and should be complete Thursday.

Following NYSDOH guidelines, Guthrie plans to resume regular operations at Guthrie Healthworks Erwin on Friday, September 20, 2019. Guthrie is contacting patients and Healthworks members regarding appointments and services.

Guthrie’s Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Michael Scalzone provided detail regarding Legionella.

“We advise following the NYSDOH guidance on Legionella, which states most healthy individuals do not become infected with Legionella bacteria if exposed,” stated Scalzone.

Scalzone described the symptoms of Legionellosis as cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches and headaches. Anyone who develops symptoms is encouraged to make an appointment with their primary care provider.

For more information on Legionella, visit the NYSDOH website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/legionellosis/fact_sheet.htm.

Guthrie is a non-profit integrated health system located in north central Pennsylvania and upstate New York, serving patients from a twelve-county service area. Guthrie is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network and is the first health system based in Pennsylvania and New York to join this network. Guthrie is comprised of a research institute, home care/hospice, hospitals in Sayre, Pa., Corning, N.Y., Towanda, Pa., Troy, Pa. and Cortland, N.Y., as well as a multi-specialty group practice of more than 325 physicians and 210 advanced practice providers offering 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities in Pennsylvania and New York. In addition, Guthrie offers home medical equipment and respiratory therapy products at seven convenient Med Supply Depot locations. Guthrie provides a wide range of services and programs to enhance the health and well-being of those it serves.