Physician in a white coat with stethoscope in hand. Patients in the background out of focus.

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Reopening of Emergency Department at South Huron Hospital Following Incident

September 16, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

South Huron Hospital
24 Huron St. W
Exeter, ON, N0M 1S2
www.shha.on.ca

Reopening of Emergency Department at South Huron Hospital Following Incident

[Exeter, ON] – [September 16, 2023] – South Huron Hospital will reopen the Emergency Department (ED) tonight at 6pm after a recent incident involving a mental health patient. The ED was temporarily shutdown for 18 hours. The ED will resume at 2/3 capacity due to the damage of 2 ED rooms, which will be out of commission until further notice.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders, dedicated staff, and compassionate physicians who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.

On September 15, 2023, a patient in our care experienced a challenging moment, resulting in damage to two rooms within our Emergency Department. We want to emphasize that no injuries were sustained during this incident. Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors, and we are thankful that our protocols and trained personnel were able to swiftly respond to this situation.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the first responders who acted swiftly and efficiently to bring the situation under control. Their dedication and professionalism were invaluable during this time of need. Our staff and physicians showed immense resilience and teamwork, ensuring that our facility remained a safe space for all.

In keeping with our commitment to compassionate care, we acknowledge that mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. We understand that moments of distress can occur, and we are dedicated to providing a supportive and understanding environment for all individuals seeking care at South Huron Hospital. Our hope is to continue fostering an atmosphere of empathy and healing for everyone who walks through our doors.

The incident has provided an opportunity for reflection and enhancement of our protocols to further ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver exceptional healthcare with compassion and integrity.

For any inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Jimmy Trieu
Huron Health System, President & CEO
519.524.8323 x 5711
Jimmy.trieu@amgh.ca