Woodstock Private Hospital Set to Close in March

Wednesday, 31 October 2018 11:10

The Woodstock Private Hospital is no longer accepting new patients and it gets set to close for good in March.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Private Hospital will no longer be taking new patients and will close down on March 31st, 2019.

The move stems from legislation passed in December 2017, calling for the repeal of private hospitals in Ontario. Woodstock Private Hospital has been in operation since 1975 and currently has 16 beds. The Woodstock Private Hospital ownership decided to cease operations based on the Strengthening Quality and Accountability for Patients Act. The act includes provisions for the eventual repeal of the Private Hospitals Act, meaning private hospitals will no longer be permitted to operate in Ontario.

The Interim CEO of the South West LHIN Ron Sapsford issued the following statement on the matter.

"Woodstock Private Hospital has grown into a community for patients and families, as well as staff, and we understand that this will be a significant change for them. Our Home and Community Care team, with experience and expertise in long-term care placement and other community resources, will work with the hospital’s owner, as well as patients and their family members to ensure patients are transitioned to places that best meet their needs."

Effective immediately the private hospital will no longer be accepting new patients. The hospital has already met with their patients and their families along with staff to inform them of the decision to close. Owner of the Woodstock Private Hospital Irma Vanderzwaag says it will continue to treat current patients until the closure.

"While it is very sad to see this hospital close its doors, we have wonderful memories of the patients, families and staff members who have made this hospital a community. Building close relationships with our patients and families, and providing excellent care is what has made our small hospital the unique place it is. We are grateful to the dedicated staff members who have worked at Woodstock Private Hospital over the years, and thank them for their service. Quality patient care will continue to be our top priority as we work to support the transition of patients."

The South West LHIN Home and Community Care team will be working with all patients and families to develop individualized transition plans.