April 15, 2003

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

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
UPDATE
April 15, 2003 – 1:30 p.m

Volunteer and student restrictions lifted at London Health Sciences Centre

(LONDON, Ontario) Beginning Wednesday, April 16 volunteers and students will be allowed to return to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

Students will require their university or college student identification to gain access to the hospital, and they are also being asked NOT to arrive at the hospital until after 8:30 a.m. in order to help avoid further congestion at the entrances.

Strict visitor limitations continue to be in place along with all other provincial directives.

Surgery, diagnostic and interventional procedures continue to operate at 100 per cent capacity at all three sites of LHSC. Outpatient clinics and ambulatory care are maintaining between 50 and 75 per cent of normal patient volumes.

Unless patients receive a call from LHSC to confirm their appointment, they should assume their appointment is cancelled.