News

Public invited to complete survey about need for new services in the region

Media Release

February 22, 2023

Southwestern Public Health invites the public to complete survey about need for consumption and treatment services in the region

Those who complete the online survey must live, work or attend school in the Southwestern Public Health region (Oxford, Elgin, & St. Thomas) and be at least 18 years old.

 Recent statistics indicate that opioid-related deaths have increased in the Southwestern Public Health region, and that the mortality rate is higher than the provincial...

Local Health Units Advise Community of Confirmed Measles Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 18, 2023

London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health are investigating following laboratory confirmation of an individual who has tested positive for measles. The individual lives in London and  works in Woodstock. Investigators have concluded the individual acquired their illness while traveling outside of Canada. After their return, they had limited contact with others during the time they were infectious. These contacts occurred...

SWPH Conducting Feasibility Study for Consumption and Treatment Services

Data collection to be completed in March 2023, with a final report anticipated later this year

February 9, 2023 -- A feasibility study is underway in the Southwestern Public Health region to analyze the perceived need, support, and service models available for Consumption and Treatment Services. The study’s geography will span Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.

The health unit has formed an external advisory committee to consult with local figures from various sectors. These...

39% of Southwestern Public Health residents report risky alcohol consumption

Canada’s new Guidance on Alcohol and Health states even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health

Today the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction finalized Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health with updated thresholds for low-, moderate-, and high-risk alcohol use. While local data shows most adults in the Southwestern Public Health region already follow the new guidance, nearly 4 in 10 regularly put their health at risk.

As a replacement to...

First lab confirmed cases of influenza identified

NEWS

October 27, 2022

First lab confirmed cases of influenza identified in Southwestern Public Health region

This week Southwestern Public Health received notification of two lab-confirmed cases of influenza A – the first two cases of the 2022/23 season. Both cases are in young children residing in Oxford County.

These confirmed cases are an indication that influenza is circulating within our community. Surrounding health units are also experiencing sporadic activity.

“The influenza vaccine has...

Sweater Weather

Autumn brings with it a predictable rhythm. The air chills, the leaves turn colour and fall, and we wrap ourselves in the coziest of our sweaters in preparation for the winter ahead.

Many of us already have the fall routine of visiting our health care team or pharmacy for a flu shot. With COVID-19 here to stay, each of us should also add a COVID-19 booster to our fall wellness schedule.

The influenza vaccine is updated each year. Scientists try to match the vaccine with the strain of flu that they...