SWPH Board of Health Receives Retirement Notice from Dr. Joyce Lock

On September 9, the Southwestern Public Health Board of Health accepted a notice of retirement from Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer 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.  

Dr. Lock’s intention to retire on March 31, 2022, has provided ideal notice to the Board and CEO, Cynthia St. John, to ensure there will be no interruption to the service provided to our communities in this pivotal stage of the pandemic response. The Board of Health will start the work to ensure we secure a strong and qualified candidate that will, together with our CEO, provide exemplary public health leadership for the future.  

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.  

Larry Martin 
Chair, Board of Health 
Southwestern Public Health