Planning underway for gradual return of services paused during third wave

HAMILTON, ON – Today, the provincial government rescinded Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive #2 in order to enable the cautious and gradual resumption of hospital clinical services not expected to require an inpatient stay. Planning is underway at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and in collaboration with our regional hospital partners to implement this direction over the upcoming weeks.

Our progress will be based on the ethical framework provided by the Ontario government, which considers multiple factors such as the patient’s condition, the implications of delaying care, equity of services and impact on vulnerable populations. Our planning will also take into account the ongoing need for critical care resources, the impact to staffing, and the continued transmission of COVID-19 in our community.

While this is a positive signal, the pandemic is ongoing. HHS, like many other hospitals, continues to experience a high demand for clinical care due to COVID-19, as well as to support patients who need access to our specialized regional programs. As a result, the return of services paused during the third wave will be phased and gradual.

Patients will be contacted by their doctor if there are any changes to their plan of care. We thank everyone for their patience.

In the event of an emergency, individuals should call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency department or an urgent care centre.

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For more information, please contact:

Wendy Stewart
Communications & Public Affairs
Hamilton Health Sciences
stewartwen@hhsc.ca