The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is implementing further reductions in non-urgent care, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and preserve resources as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.
As of Monday, only urgent and emergency procedures -- including surgeries -- will be done at LHSC. The hospital defines urgent procedures as ones that must be done within the next seven days.
The reductions to non-emergent services announced on Sunday are in addition to previous service reductions in elective surgeries and other non-emergent clinical activity.
"As with the previous service reductions, there will continue to be special consideration for cancer care, renal care, and mental health care; and essential services such as trauma, stroke, urgent cardiac care, transplant, and the birthing centre will continue to be provided to our patients," read a release from LHSC.
Patients who do not fall under the category of urgent procedures but had previously booked an appointment at the hospital will be contacted by their physician to go over a care plan.