Rome Memorial Hospital in Rome, New York, US, has secured more than $4m in federal funds to support its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announced by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, the funding is being provided by the US Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

It will cover the costs associated with temporary medical staffing to address higher patient loads during the pandemic.

The funding will also reimburse the expenses incurred while hiring additional registered nurses to care for Covid-19 patients in various units, including the Emergency Department, Medical/Surgical Department and ICU.

Rome Health president and CEO Anne-Marie Czyz said: "Because of the dedication of our colleagues, Rome Health exceeded the community's expectations to maintain access to the full breadth of healthcare services throughout the pandemic.

"The FEMA dollars will help offset the losses incurred as a result of the high cost of supplemental agency staff to preserve that access."

The infusion will complement the $2.5m of 'hot spot' funding that was announced in 2020 to enable the hospital to cover the costs of cancelled elective procedures, increases in staffing, overtime expenses and expanded bed capacities.

The previous funding was also intended to help the hospital cover increased spending on supplies and equipment to handle added numbers of Covid-19 cases.

Senator Schumer said: “During a time of crisis, Rome Memorial Hospital heroically stepped up to fight the pandemic on the front lines and provide lifesaving care to Covid-19 patients in and around Oneida County.

“That is why I am proud to deliver this over $4m federal boost to help reimburse those expenses and ensure that Rome Memorial Hospital has the resources it needs to bounce back from the pandemic and continue to provide critical care to CNY residents.”