Hospitals across the south west are continuing current masking requirements for all individuals entering their facilities indefinitely. The President and CEO of the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance said they continuously assess infection control practices in place to protect patients, visitors, and staff.
“As a group of hospitals, we want to ensure that the safety measures in place allow for the continuance of services and programs. While we acknowledge the varying opinions, we must prioritize the safety of those we serve.” said Karl Ellis,
In addition to continuing to require masking, active screening of all individuals entering hospital facilities will be maintained. COVID-19 Immunization Policies that require all new midwives, physicians, staff, volunteers and contractors to be vaccinated will also remain in place.
“Throughout the pandemic we have, as a system of hospitals, been continually assessing what we feel are responsible protections for our patients, our teams and those visiting our hospital sites,” says Andrew Williams, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance President & CEO. “As the pandemic continues to impact our communities, including significantly affecting our ability to staff programs and services due to increasing COVID-19 absences, maintaining this level of protection in high-risk environments is prudent. While opinions on direction will always vary, our top priority is the safety of those we serve.”
A media release said individuals are reminded that getting vaccinated and boosted remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. In addition, hospitals urge everyone to continue with public health recommendations such as masking where physical distancing is not possible, staying home if unwell and regular hand washing.
Supporting this announcement are: Alexandra Hospital, Alexandra Marine & General Hospital, Grey Bruce Health Services, Hanover and District Hospital, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, Listowel Wingham Hospital Alliance, London Health Sciences Centre, Middlesex Hospital Alliance, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, South Bruce Grey Health Centre, South Huron Hospital Association, Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and Woodstock General Hospital.
