Western Health to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
To commemorate the children and the families that are impacted by residential schools and to support survivors in healing and reconciling together, Western Health will join the Provincial Government in observing September 30, 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday. As such, Western Health facilities, programs and services will operate on statutory holiday schedules, which requires changes to patient and client appointments.
Non-urgent appointments and procedures offered by Western Health across the region are being rescheduled. Patients and clients whose appointments are affected are being contacted directly by Western Health staff or their referring physician.
For some laboratory services, Western Health staff have been unable to contact all clients for rebooking. Clients who had appointments scheduled on September 30 for blood collection or other laboratory who have not been contacted are asked to call 1-833-459-0873 to rebook their appointments.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for September 30 will proceed.
Clients who receive services through the Community Support Program will be advised by their service provider of any planned changes in their plan of care. Clients with urgent needs may direct their inquiries to 1-833-646-6301. For Adult Protection concerns please call 1-855-376-4957.
Western Health hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other sites with 24-hour operations will remain open, and emergency services will continue to?be available at all sites.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is being established as a response to a Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and is a significant step in the reconciliation process. Western Health encourages everyone to take time to learn about residential schools and to reflect on the histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples.