November 30th, 2020
November 30th, 2020
QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Peggy Sattler (London West) has urged the Ford government to take immediate action to support London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) that is currently dealing with the biggest COVID-19 outbreak the city has faced during the pandemic.
Thirteen new outbreak-linked cases were reported among London Health Sciences Centre staff and patients over the weekend, bringing the total to 65. Two Londoners have already lost their lives due to this outbreak.
“On Friday, the Middlesex London Health Unit issued a letter to the hospital with 25 instructions on strict measures that must be taken to get the outbreak under control. Will the premier commit to providing whatever supports and resources are needed by the hospital to ensure compliance with these critical public health directives?” Sattler asked Ford during question period Monday at the Ontario legislature.
For the past nine days, 50 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the London region have been linked to the LHSC outbreak, with transmission occurring within the hospital. There are six hospital wards now confirmed to have cases, including organ transplants, cardiovascular surgery, palliative, and orthopedics. This has once again forced the cancellation of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures.
“London was already at the bottom of the list for the longest surgical wait-times in Ontario, particularly for joint replacements. This cancellation is devastating to those whose surgeries were postponed during wave one and to those who are still waiting for their procedures to be booked,” said Sattler.
“What is this government’s plan to ensure that access to surgeries is restored for Londoners and to prevent any future surgical cancellations at LHSC once this outbreak is under control?” asked Sattler.