Hospital postponing non-essential services and elective surgeries

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is implementing its pandemic plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of all community members is our utmost priority.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, clinical demand prioritization of clinical services is essential. Following recommendations of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, our Hospital will cancel elective surgeries and other non-essential services, including most outpatient services as of March 20, 2020 at 3:30 pm.

Patients who are impacted will be contacted directly by their physicians or the Hospital. Rescheduling of services will be determined at a later time, as the situation evolves.

“Although cancellations can be frustrating, patients are being supportive. They understand that this measure is taken in their best interest, and for the protection of the entire community. We all want to curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Stewart Kennedy, the Hospital’s COVID-19 Incident Manager.

Those who require urgent health care will always receive it at our Hospital. Essential services, such as intensive care, stroke care, and life- and limb-saving surgeries will continue, with all other services provided based on priority needs.

Planning for this careful ramp down of non-essential services is underway. Dr. Zaki Ahmed, Chief of Staff, is leading this work. More information will be shared as it is confirmed.

“A planned approach to temporarily reducing elective surgeries and non-essential services is important to the COVID-19 response. This measure reduces unnecessary visits to the Hospital, and keeps medical resources, including the work force, available in case COVID-19 cases in Ontario continue to rise”, said Dr. Zaki Ahmed, Chief of Staff.

More information is available at www.tbdhu.com/coronavirus and https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-english-2020-02-18.pdf