Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Addresses Ministry Directive to Carefully Ramp Down Elective Procedures and Non-Emergency Clinical Activity
CHATHAM-KENT: March 16, 2020 – Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is taking a careful, planned approach to ramp down elective surgeries and other non-emergency clinical activity as directed by the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) on March 15, 2020. This step is being taken by Ontario hospitals to maximize resources and prioritize services in response to COVID-19.
“We are working diligently in our planning process to respond to this directive in a safe and appropriate manner,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA. “Along with our medical leadership, we are in discussion on how to implement a reduction in elective procedures and non-emergency services through a phased approach.”
Hospitals province-wide are being asked to move forward with their pandemic plans and to begin making significant decisions on operations. CKHA will use an ethical framework to guide decision-making and continues to work collaboratively with its system partners to develop capacity and to preserve resources within the local health care system. Maintaining consistency with other hospitals is key with consideration for the needs of Chatham-Kent’s catchment area.
“Social distancing and keeping people out of the hospital as much as possible is another step we must take in response to this pandemic. We’re assessing all non-emergency services and clinics in addition to elective surgeries that can be safely suspended or deferred for the time being. Our patients are first and foremost in mind; I want to assure our community these precautionary measures are being carefully planned,” said Lori Marshall.
In the coming days operational plans in line with CKHA’s pandemic plan will be established at which time further communication will be issued.
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About CKHA
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is a 200 bed community hospital, serving the residents of Chatham and rural Kent including Walpole Island and Delaware First Nations. Formed in 2018, CKHA is committed to delivering quality and safe care at its two sites in Chatham and Wallaceburg. CKHA collaborates with other partners to deliver care across its community. CKHA’s dedicated team is comprised of approximately 1,400 staff, 200 physicians and 300 volunteers. CKHA provides a full range of programs, services and specialties from internal medicine and surgery to women & children’s and critical care; it is designated a schedule one facility under the Ministry of Health and cares for tens of thousands of inpatients, outpatients and emergency patients annually. CKHA is equipped with state of the art diagnostics and technology to support its varied programs. CKHA’s vision: Together, growing a healthier community, underscores a movement to improving the population’s health. Grounded by its values “CKHA CARES” (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, Safety), CKHA commits to continuously improve the patient experience in partnership with patients, families and caregivers. For more information, click here to read CKHA’s Fast Facts.
To arrange a media interview please contact:
Emily Field, Communications Specialist
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
519.352.6401 ext. 5326
efield@ckha.on.ca
