The head of the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is taking a temporary medical leave of absence.
Dr. Paul Woods was granted the leave by the LHSC board of directors and is currently at home in isolation.
"While it is believed that this absence is required due to a pre-existing medical condition, testing will be undertaken to confirm and more information will be provided in due course," Amy Walby, chair of the LHSC board of directors, said in a letter to hospital staff and physicians on Thursday.
Woods has been the president and CEO of southwestern Ontario's largest hospital network since 2018.
In his absence, the hospital's Chief Operating Officer Neil Johnson has been named acting president and CEO.
"The board is confident in Neil’s leadership capabilities and he has our full support. His 32+ years’ experience at LHSC, in particular his many years of executive leadership, will ensure that LHSC can seamlessly continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Walby.
The change in leadership comes as the hospital continues to do its part in the battle against COVID-19. The global pandemic has left frontline healthcare workers tirelessly trying to help those infected with the virus while dealing with a shortage of vital personal protective equipment.
There are currently 19 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the care of the London Health Sciences Centre.