To comply with provincial ministry of health directions, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is looking at ways to prioritize services in response to COVID-19.
According to a press release Monday evening, the CKHA said that response now includes winding down elective surgeries and other non-medical clinical activity.
According to CKHA CEO and President Lori Marshall, the process is being carefully planned out in an ethical manner.
"We are working diligently in our planning process to respond to this directive in a safe and appropriate manner," said Marshall. "Along with our medical leadership, we are in discussion on how to implement a reduction in elective procedures and non-emergency services through a phased approach."
This move comes as hospitals province-wide are being asked to move forward with their pandemic plans and to begin making significant decisions on operations.
Marshall said the goal is to maximize hospital resources during the pandemic.
"Social distancing and keeping people out of the hospital as much as possible is another step we must take in response to this pandemic," she said. "We're assessing all non-emergency services and clinics in addition to elective surgeries that can be safely suspended or deferred for the time being. Our patients are first and foremost in mind; I want to assure our community these precautionary measures are being carefully planned."
Operational plans in line with CKHA's pandemic plan are expected to be established within a few days, at which time more updates will be provided.