The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) announced it will close its main office and clinic in Strathroy this fall to address budgetary pressures and reduce expenses.
The clinic, located in the downtown Shops on Sydenham shopping center, offers services such as sexually transmitted infection testing, family planning, and vaccinations. While the general clinic will cease operations, the dental clinic for low-income patients in the same shopping center will remain open.
Dr. Alex Summers, MLHU’s medical officer of health, cited low utilization and the need for cost savings to balance the unit’s budget over the next few years as the reason for the closure of the Strathroy location. The move is expected to save approximately $200,000 annually.
He emphasized that while the physical clinic will close, services will remain available through other methods, such as monthly health and vaccination clinics at the dental clinic location and consideration of increasing mobile clinic services.
Summers added that these changes may impact residents, but overall service changes will be limited. However, he acknowledged that monthly services may not meet all needs, and that public health services have been reduced in recent years not only in Strathroy but also elsewhere in the region.
The MLHU will inform residents about alternative service options through its website and social media channels in the coming months. The clinic is expected to officially close on October 31st.