"Southern

Regional, like many other area hospitals, will continue to perform surgeries

in trauma or emergency type situations," according to a written statement

issued Friday.

"To ensure

the safety of our patients, Southern Regional Health System is following

the recommendation of the American Red Cross to visually examine units

of blood prior to use," said Rick Smith, director of public relations

and marketing at Southern Regional.

The Red Cross

is working to provide blood units to Southern Regional from other areas

outside the affected region, according to reports.

"It may

take several days for our hospital blood supply to be fully restocked,"

said Smith. "In the meantime, we will review all pending surgeries

and reschedule all those deemed as non-emergent."