SLMHC Ramping Down Non-Emergent Surgeries, Procedures

Last week, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a revised directive and advised that all hospitals, including those in the northern health region of the province, pause all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures.  Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is following this directive and is pausing non-urgent surgeries/procedures.

“This decision was made to help create and ensure bed capacity in the entire provincial health system, especially as wave three of the pandemic continues to place a significant strain on many health care facilities across Ontario,” says Heather Lee, President and CEO of SLMHC, who adds that emergent and urgent surgeries will continue at this time.

A review of all booked non-urgent/non-emergent surgeries and procedures, in accordance with ministry decision-making guidelines, has been completed by our clinicians.  Anyone who is affected will be contacted by one of our surgical booking team members.

Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our region, SLMHC is reminding those looking for COVID-19 testing to contact the Assessment Centre at 737-5880 to book an appointment. The Assessment Centre is receiving a high volume of calls so SLMHC reminds the public to leave their name and phone number so staff can call individuals back to book appointments.

For all information about how COVID-19 is impacting services and policies at SLMHC, please visit www.slmhc.on.ca/covid19.  For general information about COVID-19, including directions on self-isolation, self-monitoring, testing results, the rollout of the vaccine and public health best practices, visit www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19.