COVID-19 at EWFHT
TO OUR PATIENTS: 16 June, 2020
Thank you all for your continued support and understanding as we adjust to our new normal. We are closely monitoring government recommendations, as well as the changing health care standards around the region, to decide how and when we will start to resume more in-person services within our clinics.
Your feedback and support has been overwhelmingly positive and we are grateful for your support and cooperation. We continue to provide care, primarily through virtual means – video visits and phone calls – as well as some in-person appointments for needs that cannot be met virtually. This is going very well in continuing to provide you with access to your doctors and other health care providers so that your health concerns are addressed. As more and more services in Ontario start to open up, we want to proceed cautiously when it comes to ramping up our in-person services. While the province has said we MAY start offering more within our clinics, they have not said we MUST. Safety is our priority so we will plan and proceed with that as our primary consideration – slow and steady wins the race!
Something that is important for you to know: our staff have never stopped working. Helping to care for your health is why we are here so we don’t want you to avoid asking for an appointment when you need one. If you have a question or concern about your health, or want to make an appointment with your doctor, we want you to call or email us. Our doctors are finding that many questions can be quickly and easily answered by email or a phone call. If you contact us by phone and get voicemail, we have several staff doing message intake all day, every day, Monday to Friday so please leave a message rather than calling back.
Also, don’t forget that you can now book your appointment online. Just click on the “Online Booking!” button on our homepage to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you do need to visit either of our clinics, you will find that things look a little different. To reduce risk, we have put the following in place:
- In accordance with regional public health order, you must wear a mask before entering the clinic. You are encouraged to bring your own, however, depending on the symptom screen, administered by staff, you may be asked to use one of our procedural masks which provides increased protection
- You will be screened at multiple stages of your appointment so that we may safely prepare for your visit – when booking your appointment, upon arrival, and upon entry to the exam room. We know this feels repetitive but it is the best way we have of ensuring a safe health care space so your patience and cooperation is appreciated.
- Main doors are locked but you will find a door bell at each entrance. By having you ring to let staff know you have arrived, it helps us space people out and manage the traffic flow to reduce the risk of contact.
- We ask that you refrain from bringing anyone else with you to your appointment. This is in an effort to keep our in-person numbers as low as possible so as to reduce the risk of possible COVID transmission.
- Our main entrance doors can now be staff-operated via remote control to allow for distance as you are admitted to the clinic.
- Staff are gowned and masked. Some are wearing face shields. This is for your protection as well as theirs.
- We have stickers on the floor indicating the recommended 2 metres of distance you must maintain from another person, when in common areas. They provide a great visual reminder.
- You will be shown out via our staff door so that we keep foot traffic moving in one direction, again, assisting with distance.
- We have plexiglass barriers in areas where it’s easy to, out of habit, forget about the need for distance, like the reception area and the nursing stations.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID rules and regulations, case numbers, and resources, please visit Wellington-Guelph-Dufferin Public Health.
Patients can now self-refer for COVID-19 testing. If you feel you or someone in your family has COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, please complete a Self-Assessment Screening Tool.
If the result of this screen is positive, here is information about Ontario Assessment Centres.
Locally, your nearest assessment centres are:
Guelph: Victoria Road Recreation Centre
151 Victoria Road North, Guelph
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am to 4pm
Georgetown: Halton Healthcare Services
1 Princess Anne Drive, Georgetown
905-203-7963
Monday to Sunday 9am to 4:30pm
Orangeville: Headwaters Health Care Centre
140 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville
519-822-2715 ext. 7006
Monday to Sunday 9am to 4:30pm
Milton: Halton Healthcare Services
725 Bronte Street South, Milton
905-203-7963
Monday to Sunday 9am to 4:30pm
Please continue to visit our website at www.ewfht.ca for further information and resources. If you have any questions at all, please call. We are all in this together.
Sincerely,
Your East Wellington Family Health Team
