Osler initiates Code Orange to address capacity pressures and staffing challenges

On Monday, January 3, William Osler Health System (Osler) declared a Code Orange (Stage 2). This is due to an increase in COVID-19 patient volumes across Osler and staffing challenges that have affected the hospital’s capacity.

“Osler has enacted all contingency planning and has reached Stage 2 of a Code Orange, which is typically used when demand outpaces capacity to ensure internal and external resources are deployed efficiently,” said Dr. Naveed Mohammad, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “This move will enable us to continue to provide high-quality care to our patients, and we are grateful to our staff, physicians and volunteers who have moved swiftly to enact our Code Orange policy and procedures. Osler continues to be a safe place to work and to receive care.”

To help address our COVID-19 pressures and to create more capacity, Osler has also temporarily suspended all non-urgent programs and services in line with provincial Directive #2 announced today to further support hospital operations and pandemic response. All affected patients are being contacted by Osler to re-schedule their appointments. All urgent procedures will continue.

One of the hardest-hit hospitals during the pandemic, Osler is also once again receiving support for the transfer of Osler patients to neighboring hospitals in order to free up capacity.

Code Orange is a temporary measure to address capacity pressures and staffing challenges. Osler will continue to provide updates regarding Osler’s operations as the situation evolves.