Bluewater Health hospital in Sarnia. 9 September 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)Bluewater Health hospital in Sarnia. 9 September 2020. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Colin Gowdy)
Sarnia

Bluewater Health postponing some surgeries beginning Monday

Bluewater Health is ramping down and postponing some surgical cases beginning Monday, April 12.

Ontario Health is directing hospitals across the province to scale back procedures in response to mounting pandemic pressure on critical care capacity.

Patients scheduled for a surgical procedure will be called directly by their care provider starting Friday only if their procedure will be deferred or cancelled. Decisions regarding the urgency of each case and whether the procedure will be deferred will be made by each patient’s clinical team and will be based on individual circumstances. Patients are encouraged not to call the hospital or their surgeon. Surgeries will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Bluewater Health President and CEO Mike Lapaine said they're deeply disappointed that hospitals are having to take the emergency measures due to the current pandemic situation.

“We understand the impact postponing surgeries has on patients, families and caregivers, and we want to assure patients that their health and wellbeing are our top priority, said Lapaine in a statement. "We’re committed to resuming all surgical care as soon as it is safe to do so and we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we implement these difficult and complex changes.”

Bluewater Health said it currently has capacity in its Intensive Care Unit and has a plan to take a stepped approach to increase critical care capacity, as needed.

Hospitals in harder-hit areas of Ontario are transferring patients to hospitals with capacity, including Bluewater Health, to ensure patients across the province receive the life-saving care they need.

As of Friday, Bluewater Health had 10 COVID-positive patients in hospital, up one over the previous 24 hours.

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