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9 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,A ugust 27,2020 theifp.ca For Georgetown Hospital What'sNext>> the parking lot is any indication, things are starting to ramp up at GeorgetownHospital. After postponingmany hospital based services inMarch because of the COVID-19 pandemic, HaltonHealthcare is gradually restarting non-urgent scheduled services at GeorgetownHospital. "Care that clinicians felt could be safely deferred was postponed at the direction of Ontario's ChiefMedical Officer of Health," said Denise Hardenne, President &CEO ofHaltonHealthcare. "While we were able to continue to provide urgent and emergent care during this time, we are now well positioned to begin the gradual implementation of our Restart Plan." Patients whose surgeries and procedures are being rescheduled will be contacted by their physician or GeorgetownHospital. Patients will receive a call in advance of their appointment to explain the new processes, including screening protocols and specific arrival times. The hospital will also be introducing new visiting guidelines. "Visiting restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have had an impact on our patients and their families," said Cindy McDonell, Chief Operating Officer, Georgetown Hospital. "While some limited visits were permitted on compassionate grounds and our Virtual Visiting Program has been hugely successful, there is no comparison to an in-person visit from a loved one. As we continue to navigate our Restart Plan involving the resumption of some clinical services, we are also gradually welcoming visitors back to our hospitals," Cindy finished. "This has been an unprecedented and challenging time and I am proud of how our teams are responding to the pandemic.We have received enormous support from our communities and appreciate everyone's patience as wework to safely resume services," concludedMs. Hardenne. For themost up to date information about GeorgetownHospital's Restart Plan, please visit www.haltonhealthcare.on.ca/covid-19-info. Our emergency department staff are so grateful for the support our community has provided during COVID-19. This has been a difficult time for everyone, so receiving baked goodies and lunches, or seeing hand-made posters on the windows and signs on the lawn with supportive messages has lifted our spirits as we walk in to work every day. It lets us know our community is here beside us as we continue this fight. We are so thankful for your well-wishes and support! --Jessica Ellins ED Physician Assistant IF