April 3, 2003

Contact:
Debbie Neufert
Media Relations, LHSC
519-685-8500, ext. 74772

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
UPDATE
April 3, 2003 - 5:00 p.m.

(LONDON, Ontario) As the SARS situation continues to unfold, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) implemented a few changes this afternoon in accordance with provincial directives.

It is important to note that there is still no reported case of SARS in London to date.

In order to best meet the care needs of urgent cases, medical leaders at LHSC have now defined "urgent" and the following changes have been made:

Effective immediately, some of LHSC's operating rooms, clinics, diagnostic services, and ambulatory care have been opened to provide care for urgent cases needing treatment in the next 7 to 10 days. Physician offices will be contacting the most urgent cases to notify them of the change.

LHSC has also now moved the patient and visitor entrance at Victoria Campus at 800 Commissioners Road East from the ramp off of the Commissioners Road entrance, to the Admitting entrance directly below the ramp to better accommodate patients.

All previous provincial directives, including visitor restrictions, continue to be in place.

The media can also refer to our Media Info Line at 685-8575 for the most up to date information.