Speaking on a broad number of issues in a year-end interview with Global News, B.C. Premier John Horgan says the province could have avoided pushing back many surgeries.

Windsor Regional Hospital says the decision is difficult but necessary as rising COVID-19 admissions could mean a ``critical shortage'' of available acute care beds.

Julie Trpkovski, LHSC's vice president of clinical programs, is hoping that surgeries that were delayed or deferred due to the pandemic will be completed by the beginning of 2021.

Health Minister Adrian Dix and Ministry of Health consultant Michael Marchbank provided an update on B.C.'s surgical renewal strategy on Tuesday.

All non-urgent care will resume in a gradual, phased manner at the five hospitals in central Ontario, according to a joint release Friday.

The organization said it is calling patients to confirm their health status and if they’re able to move forward with surgery.

Health critics say the system was broken long before the pandemic, with people already waiting for years to get their turn in operating room.

Thousands of surgeries were put on hold to free up hospital beds in case of a surge in COVID-19 patients. 

Restarting some elective procedures this week is part of the province’s relaunch plan.

The province’s relaunch plan will see AHS start up some elective procedures on May 4 as restrictions in the province ease during the COVID-19 pandemic.