Ontario residents who have had their surgical procedures delayed due to COVID-19 can breathe a sigh of relief.
The provincial government announced on Thursday that it will be lifting restrictions on non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures. Hospitals will be instructed to follow a planned phased approach to resuming procedures.
“We recognize the impact these measures have had on patients and together with our hospital partners, we will ensure patients can continue to access the health care they need when they need it,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a news release.
Non-emergent surgeries in Ontario were paused by the provincial government back on January 5, due to increasing COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant and increased hospitalizations. Some procedures, including diagnostic imaging, cancer screening, and non-urgent and emergent pediatric surgeries, were resumed on February 1.
At that time, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance CEO Lori Marshall said in order to return to a somewhat normal surgical schedule, there would need to be fewer COVID patients in hospital and fewer staff off work and redeployed.
As of Thursday, February 10th, there were 19 COVID patients at CKHA and seven in critical care (ICU and PCU.)
The province said COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions have since steadily declined across the province, allowing for the resumption of all surgeries.
The province said Ontario hospitals will continue to work together to ensure all regions have the capacity to resume services.
