With the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolving across the province, one of London's hospitals is taking further steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
London Health Science Centre announced late Monday afternoon that starting on Tuesday, elective surgeries will be postponed, and only urgent and emergency procedures will take place.
"We are doing this to preserve capacity as cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in Ontario," the hospital said in a statement, adding that the decision will also help to protect hospital staff, physicians and other patients.
The hospital also said it will be limiting ambulatory clinics to urgent and emergency cases to promote and ensure social distancing practices. However, special consideration will be given for cancer care, renal care and mental health care.
Anyone who is impacted by these changes to hospital services will be contacted directly by their physician.
Essential services will continue to be provided as per usual. This includes care for trauma, stroke, cardiac and transplant patients.
Also starting on Tuesday, new visitor restrictions will be in place. This includes allowing only one visitor per patient for adult inpatients and in the emergency department, and two visitors per patient for pediatric inpatients and in the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. No visitors under the age of 18 will be permitted.
In addition, all visitors will be screened when they attend the hospital. Signage will be posted at doors indicating which entrances are accessible to patients and visitors.
