News

Our People, Our Stories is a special series of relatable stories recognizing our staff and the impact COVID-19 has had on our workforce personally and professionally.

Part 3: Nora's Story 

How roles change in a public health emergency

Nora Shantz is a Public Health Nurse  of 11 years and one of many staff redeployed to new roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. For six months, she was a calming voice on the end of the line at our COVID-19 Response Centre before starting a position as...

With COVID-19 vaccination efforts going well for those between the ages of 75 and 79, Southwestern Public Health and the Middlesex-London Health Unit will expand the list of those who can receive the vaccine to include all those 70 years of age and older. The expanded eligibility comes into effect immediately.

The Government of Ontario has released data which shows that as of Saturday, more than 75% of Ontarians over the age of 80 had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and more than a...

One year later: A series of inspiring stories from Public Health during a pandemic. 

How a pandemic shaped SWPH as an organization and the women behind the change 

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia St. John are leading the emergency response in the COVID-19 pandemic at Southwestern Public Health. These two incredible women share the role of Incident Commander, working alongside a “rock star” staff to ensure the safety of our communities in...

St. Thomas, ON – With the growing number of people who have already received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the Province announced this morning it will be expanding the list of those who can receive a vaccine, ahead of schedule. Following Premier Doug Ford’s announcement, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU), Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) and Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) will expand COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to an age group that ranges from those who will turn 75 this year to...

It was an emotional morning for the Southwestern Public Health region with first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered at the newly opened Mass Immunization Clinics in St. Thomas and Woodstock.

Rodney resident, Frank Gratton, and Innerkip resident, Marion Gillespie, were the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford, respectively. Each expressed tremendous hope for a brighter future ahead.

“I am most looking forward to getting back to normal. I firmly believe vaccine...

The school is already closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak declared earlier in the week.

Today, Southwestern Public Health confirmed that a case of COVID-19 in a member of the St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School community has screened positive for a variant of concern (VOC).

Out of an abundance of caution, London District Catholic School Board made the decision to close the Woodstock school earlier this week after an outbreak of three linked cases was confirmed by the health unit. The new case...