Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay has introduced a new model for assessing COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
On Saturday, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in its central Ontario jurisdiction, which includes Lindsay.
Ross Memorial Hospital on Sunday launched a drive-thru assessment centre in its ambulance bay area.
However, on Tuesday, in response to community feedback and guidelines from the Ministry of Health, the hospital is introducing a new model for assessment that will begin on Wednesday.
The new model will have patients call first for a phone assessment by a nurse or physician, who will refer the caller for the appropriate next steps, which may include self-monitoring instructions, self-isolation instructions, testing at an offsite location (Lindsay Exhibition) or seeking care in the hospital.
Patients should contact the Ross Memorial Hospital COVID-19 assessment centre only if referred by Telehealth, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit or another care provider.
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“We anticipated an increased demand for assessment following the announcement of the first local case of COVID-19,” said Veronica Nelson, the hospital’s interim president and CEO. “But assessment through our ambulance bay is not a sustainable solution.
“This new model of our clinicians providing assessment over the phone will support our community by making care more accessible for those who need it.”
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If you suspect you might have COVID-19, you should first:
- Complete the COVID-19 self-assessment.
- If indicated by the self-assessment results, contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020.
- If symptoms are severe, please call 911 and alert the dispatcher of your travel history and symptoms.
Starting Wednesday, the assessment centre can be reached at 705-328-6217. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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