A temporary off-site hospital, also known as a field hospital, was created at the Western Fair District Agriplex to prepare for a potential influx of patients requiring care for COVID-19. This work is being undertaken in partnership with the Western Fair District and the City of London and is part of the south west Ontario region’s pandemic response plan. The Field Hospital has been prepared for readiness, however, at this point it is not in operation. This temporary off-site hospital will be activated only if and when the need arises.
The Western Fair District was chosen due to its central location with an opportunity to house up to 500 beds in the Agriplex and expand to the Sports Centre if required. The facility has plentiful space and allows for an entrance for transportation and service vehicles along the outside perimeter.
The off-site hospital is an extension of LHSC and will be managed by LHSC. A 144-bed unit is ready to open with the ability to expand the facility quickly to 500 beds. Patients will be cared for by health-care teams who will have the supplies, equipment and technology including seamless access to basic lab testing, ultrasound and x-ray capabilities. The initial plan is for this facility to be used as a step-down unit for patients who are recovering from COVID-19, but not yet well enough to be discharged home.
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