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Local Hospitals Promise Papal Visit Won't Slow Them Down

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's still a lot we don't know about the Pope's visit to Philadelphia. For one, how far in advance the city will be in near 'lockdown' mode as security measures take effect.

Hospitals, though, are promising it won't slow them down.

Like preventive care, "When the rumors started, we began planning."

Mark Ross heads up emergency preparedness in the region for the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, whose members are readying for the end of September as they would for a major storm.

"So we're going to make sure we have enough supplies, staff, enough of everything we need to take care of our patients, visitors and staff for the duration of this event."

Hospitals will put up their workers over several nights. Some facilities say they're not scheduling elective surgeries or other procedures for the week of the World Meeting of Families.

One rehab center says it's planning (independently) to move patients. But for those people who can, or need, to get in for care, Ross says, "We're attempting to keep it business as usual as much as we can, even with any inconveniences that take place."

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