(Strathroy, ON) – Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) continues to monitor the increasing COVID-19 cases and community transmission at the local, regional and provincial levels. Given increasing case counts and widespread community transmission across many parts of the province, hospitals are facing mounting and extreme pressure on our critical care capacity.
In response to escalating bed capacity challenges across the province, on April 21, the Ministry of Health issued a COVID-19 Directive #2 for Health Care Providers. The Directive requires all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures to cease, with the exception of surgeries and procedures performed in pediatric specialty hospitals. The number of COVID + patients is increasing and hospitals have been asked to be prepared to take patients from other hospitals that have become overwhelmed. As a result, MHA will be postponing all elective surgeries effective Tuesday, April 27. The postponement is needed, as we are required to comply with the Directive. All urgent and emergent surgeries will continue, and physicians will evaluate patient status and provide care as needed.
All impacted patients will be contacted directly by their physician’s offices. We are encouraging the public not to call the hospital or their physician’s office.
Our hospital sites are safe to provide care, including the Emergency Department. MHA adheres to the strictest infection prevention and control procedures, including entrance screening, environmental cleaning, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols as well as thorough disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment.
It is important that you do not delay seeking care for any urgent or emergent needs. If you have an emergency or serious medical injury/condition, call 911 or go to your local Emergency Department.
These are difficult and challenging times. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work together. Please make sure that you are taking precautions to protect yourself. Please stay safe and remain vigilant.
| For local hospital inquiries: Stacey Griffin Middlesex Hospital Alliance Stacey.Griffin@mha.tvh.ca 519-245-5295 ext:5593 |