Smiths Falls COVID-19 Assessment Centre expands to receive self-referrals

Effective Thursday, May 21, 2020, the COVID-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) located at the Smiths Falls Site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital will expand their effort to reach more people requiring COVID-19 testing.

The CAC has previously accepted referrals from primary care providers (i.e. family physicians, nurse practitioners or clinics) in the community and the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit (including patients referred through Public Health from Telehealth Ontario).

The CAC will now offer appointments to patients who have completed the on-line self-assessment at the COVID-19 Ministry of Health website (see:  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/) and been directed to the CAC for further assessment and testing as necessary.   Patients seeking access are required to call (613) 283-2330 ext. 1401 to schedule an appointment. The telephones are answered from 8AM to 6PM Monday to Friday and from 10AM to 4PM on Saturday. Please note that the assessment center drive-through is still by appointment only. 

While anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can go seek an appointment at the PSFDH CAC, the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit is strongly encouraging that the following people be assessed at the Centre: 

• Essential workers (person working directly with the public) 
• Healthcare workers or a household member of a healthcare worker 
• Pregnant individuals who are in their third trimester 
• Returning travellers to Canada 
• Close contacts of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 (live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with)

The CAC is located outside the Main Entrance on Elmsley Street North, Smiths Falls. Patients will drive up to the Main Entrance and remain in their vehicle while an in-vehicle assessment is completed.  
If you need to discuss your symptoms, please contact Leeds, Grenville, Lanark District Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2222 or Telehealth Ontario.  Telehealth Ontario can be reached toll-free at (866) 797-0000 or Toll-free TTY at (866) 797-0007.  Further information is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-medical-advice-telehealth-ontario.  Public members can also call their own primary care provider for advice and guidance.

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Author: Hometown News