April 22, 2021 – The continued growth of COVID-19 cases across Ontario has resulted in the provincial hospital system experiencing unprecedented hospitalizations and demand for ICU beds.  In response, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued a new directive for all Ontario hospitals (with the exception of pediatric specialty hospitals) to temporarily stop all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures.

Effective on Monday, April 26, 2021, Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) will postpone all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures until Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health provides updated direction. Emergency or urgent surgeries and procedures will continue, and these will be determined by the clinical team using decision-making processes that are fair and transparent.

“The cancellation of non-urgent surgical procedures is being done to help liberate needed space and human resources to support patient transfers and clinical care as Ontario works together through the third wave of COVID-19,” explained Eric Hanna, President and CEO, ARH.

This week, ARH will be notifying patients affected by the surgical cancellations.

“Our Inpatient Unit Team has been working hard over the past week to accept as many transfers as possible from Ottawa area hospitals to help them free up capacity so they can take COVID-19 patients from Greater Toronto Area hospitals,” said Eric Hanna. “We will continue to do everything we can to support the Ontario health system through this COVID-19 outbreak.”

About Arnprior Regional Health

Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) is a progressive 141-bed organization that includes a fully accredited community hospital, nursing home, primary health care centre and extensive community programs. ARH is a regional hub with a strong history of providing exemplary care to the residents of West Ottawa, McNab/Braeside, Arnprior and Mississippi Mills. As your partner in health, ARH is committed to listening to and responding to meet the needs of those we serve, because together, we create a healthy community.

For more information:

Melissa McDermott

[email protected]