Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock will be retiring from the SWPH board on March 31, 2022.
OXFORD COUNTY - The Medical Officer of Health for the Southwestern Public Health Region is retiring.
Dr. Joyce Lock gave the board a notice of retirement on September 9. She has given plenty of notice and her last day will be on March 31, 2022. The moves comes amid a pandemic, where the MOH in Ontario have been front and centre in the news.
Dr. Lock first joined public health in 2014. Board Chair and Oxford County Warden Larry Martin says they want to thank Dr. Lock for everything she has done for the Board of Health.
"Dr. Lock has made considerable contributions to the health and well-being of all those living in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas since joining public health in 2014. Throughout Dr. Lock’s tenure with SWPH, she further established critical relationships within primary care, hospitals, and the larger health sector, and she has been a steady and trusted voice for COVID-19 guidance for all those residing in our communities."
Martin says the Board of Health will start looking for her replacement right away and there should not be any interruption to the service provided to our communities during this pivotal stage of the pandemic response.
Martin adds they do want to congratulate Dr. Lock on a much deserved retirement.
"Please join me in celebrating Dr. Joyce Lock’s exceptional career and leadership. We have complex and rewarding work ahead at Southwestern Public Health. We look forward to welcoming a new Medical Officer of the region to further build on what Dr. Lock has achieved to-date."

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