Elective surgeries cancelled at Western Memorial hospital

Western Health has cancelled elective surgeries at Western Memorial Regional Hospital effective March 23.

In a release, Western Health said it would continue to provide surgical services to patients on an emergency basis and when elective surgeries are deemed clinically urgent. This change in service is necessary on a short basis because of an increased number of patients who are require acute care and a high number of employees who are absent due to sickness.

Western Health said it would contact all individuals scheduled for elective surgery to advise them of this cancellation. They will continue to monitor patients' needs for emergency, inpatient acute care and intensive care and will advise the general public as soon as they are able to resume elective surgeries.

Additionally, Western Health continues to work with patients, staff and physicians to ensure that all patients who may be safely discharged will be released from hospital.

Visitor restrictions are still in place and will be enforced due to a continuation of an outbreak of Norwalk. People who have any symptoms including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, cough, fever, runny nose, and headache are asked to refrain from visiting any of Western Health's facilities. Also if you have family members or close contact with other people who have these symptoms please do not come into the health body's facilities. Individuals with any of these symptoms should rest at home, drink fluids, practice proper hand washing with water and soap, and if the symptoms persist contact their physician.