Expanded outbreaks force surgery cancellations at London, Ont.'s University Hospital

New measures as UH COVID-19 outbreaks expand Ongoing outbreaks at the London Health Sciences Centre's University Hospital have expanded to more units. CTV's Nick Paparella reports.

Middlesex Centre, Ont. — The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) now says seven units at University Hospital have been impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks.

On Friday, LHSC said the outbreak in general medicine had expanded again, this time to include 4TU Multi-Organ Transplant Unit and 6IP Cardiovascular Surgery.

The news comes a day after the Middlesex-London Health Unit said an 80-year-old man associated with the outbreaks had died. It was the second death associated with the outbreaks.

The first outbreaks at the hospital were declared Nov. 10 in 4IP General Medicine and Nov. 11 in 9IP Orthopedics.

Since then the outbreak in the general inpatient medicine unit has expanded to five other units, including 6IP Acute/Decant Medicine, 9IP Sub-Acute Medicine, 10IP Palliative Care/Sub-Acute Medicine and the two announced Friday.

The outbreak in orthopedics was declared over by the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) on Thursday, leaving six units with active outbreaks.

According to the MLHU there are now a total of 55 associated cases, including 30 staff, 24 patients and one close contact. That's an increase of 21 since Tuesday.

MLHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie says, "This is the largest outbreak we've had anywhere in London-Middlesex since the beginning of the pandemic, so it is something that everyone is taking extremely seriously and I know the hospital is feeling the same way."

In addition to preventative measures put in place by the MLHU, all non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures at University Hospital are being postponed and officials say patients will be contacted directly.

New measures are also being implemented at both University Hospital and Victoria Hospital including:

In a letter to staff obtained by CTV News, LHSC President and CEO Dr. Paul Woods admitted to "a rising sense of apprehension and dread" as the cases continue to rise.

He acknowledged that a message to staff last week caused distress, "My choice to use direct language was not pointed at any person or professional group. It was intended to convey a sense of urgency that I felt and continue to feel the organization must demonstrate. This accountability applies to all of us, from me all the way through the organization."

But Woods went on to praise health-care workers while also calling on staff and the wider community to follow protocols to protect themselves and others.

"As health-care workers, you are the most treasured resource on the planet in 2020 and without your health and safety, our community will suffer. That is why there is such urgency in ensuring our every action and choice is made with purpose, and not out of fatigue. Quite aside from this, I care about all of you, and about your families and loved ones."

Woods concluded by expressing his thanks for the work of all of the staff at LHSC.

- With files from CTV London's Nick Paparella