Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Postpones Elective and Non-Urgent Procedures in Response to Rising Critical Care Needs

CHATHAM-KENT: January 6, 2021 – In response to rising critical care needs both locally and across the region, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) will postpone elective and non-urgent procedures beginning Thursday, January 7, 2021 until further notice.  This is a temporary measure to create capacity within the hospital to respond to the urgent critical care needs of Chatham-Kent and the wider region.

Much like at the outset of the pandemic, this significant decision regarding CKHA’s operations was made using an ethical framework in consultation with surgical leadership.  These non-urgent and elective procedures have been deemed safe to suspend and defer for the time being.

COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly in Chatham-Kent and throughout our region and now critical care beds are approaching an urgent state.  CKHA’s Intensive Care Unit capacity has risen significantly over the past week; contributing to this difficult decision to postpone procedures.  To maintain and expand critical care needs to treat the rise in very sick patients requiring a hospital bed; CKHA needs to look at all available resources such as staffing from its surgical program.

Additionally, social distancing and keeping people out of the hospital as much as possible at this time is another step CKHA must take to ensure the safety of its staff, physicians, patients and the community.

CKHA thanks its patients, families and care partners for their understanding during these difficult times.  CKHA asks that patients do not call the hospital regarding their cancelled procedures; follow up questions can be directed to their Surgeon’s Office. 

The status of the pandemic continues to be assessed daily.  More information will become available as the situation changes.