MLHU to close Strathroy location this fall

The Middlesex London Health Unit has announced it will close the main Strathroy office and clinics this fall in an effort to cut costs.

The office, located in the downtown inside the Shops on Sydenham mall, ran a testing site for sexually transmitted infection, family planning, and a vaccination clinic. The dental clinic for low-income patients, located in the same clal, will stay open.

"Following an evaluation, we've decided to close the physical space and instead offer the current services differently with a minimum of disruption to the community," Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summer said.

The MLHU is dealing with a budget deficit, and Summer's said the Strathroy office was "underutilized" by both staff and clients.

The MLHU said it will reconfigure services to run monthly pop-up clinics for sexual health and vaccinations in the same location as the dental clinic. They are also considering providing mobile clinics in the area.

"Our commitment is to maintain service levels in Middlesex County by providing them differently – rather than losing them," Dr. Summers said. "We will closely monitor the success of this arrangement and adjust our service delivery model as required."

The closure date is set for Oct 31, and information about the transition will be communicated by MLHU on their website and social media pages.