COVID-19 Information for Patients

As many of you are already aware, over the past few days the situation in Ontario regarding the COVID-19 (the illness caused by novel coronavirus) has been rapidly changing.  The risk of infectious spread of this disease is rising in Ontario at present, so we are taking measures to protect you now.

Coronavirus spreads through sneezes, coughs and direct contact that transmit the virus from an infected person.  You need to lower your chances of coming into contact with persons who are or who may be infected. 

While still meeting your health care needs, in order to slow the spread of the virus, we plan to do everything possible to decrease the number of people in our waiting room and clinic. 

We will be changing some of our regular office appointments to telemedicine consultations (video or telephone consultations) using Ontario Telehealth Network (OTN) connections to reach you in your own home.  This way, you will be able to access the care you need without the risk of potentially being exposed to a sick patient in our waiting room.  This should also make things easier for our patients who are finding transportation difficult, and for patients with children at home because of school closures. 

When you call for an appointment, you may be offered a video appointment or telephone consultation with your doctor.  The video appointments will require that you have a computer, tablet or cell phone and access to the internet.  Video links through OTN are secure and confidential. 

If you do not have a computer or internet connection, we may offer you a telephone consultation if appropriate. 

Some conditions will still require an actual visit to the clinic for an examination or procedure.  In-clinic visits will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 

WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING DROP-IN OR WALK-IN APPOINTMENTS AT THIS TIME.

PLEASE CALL (705-282-2262) if you think you need to be seen.  We are receiving a high volume of calls so please try again if the line is busy.  

If you need to be seen at the clinic you may need to put on a face mask and sanitize your hands for 20 seconds before you enter the clinic. 

Non-urgent appointments such as driver's physicals, other routine check-ups, and pap smears may be delayed or rebooked in the coming weeks. These are still important and will be rebooked when the situation improves. You will receive a call from us to cancel or reschedule.

Doctors notes for sickness absences will not be offered unless this would cause hardship. Governments and the Canadian Medical Association are urging employers and other third parties to request fewer forms and notes during this crisis to avoid needlessly endangering the public.

There is currently no waiting period for employment insurance benefits.  A dedicated hotline is available at 1-833-381-2725.

In some cases, a COVID-19 infected person may be contagious even before they have any symptoms.

If you are returning home from international travel to ANY country in the last 14 days, including the United States, or if you have had contact with a patient confirmed to have coronavirus, please stay home and isolate yourself.  Do not go to work or gatherings or public areas, and do not use public transportation.  Even if you have no symptoms of cough, fever, or shortness of breath, you should self-isolate at home for 14 days. 

If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing you may need to be tested for the coronavirus at an approved COVID-19 assessment centre.  Assessment centres on the island are located adjacent to the emergency departments in Little Current (call 705-368-2300) and Mindemoya (call 705-377-5311).  YOU MUST CALL AHEAD FOR AN APPOINTMENT. 

If you have severe shortness of breath or are extremely ill, call 911.

You may also contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts for more information about coronavirus and COVID-19 at 705-370-9200.

Public Health has been receiving many calls with questions about coronavirus.  The link below contains up to date information about coronavirus, and how to keep yourself and your family well and safe:

https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/diseases-infections/coronavirus

If you have more questions about COVID-19 and the coronavirus, or whether you need to be tested, you may also call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

Together, we can help to keep our community safe and healthy.  Please follow the directions of your doctors and Public Health.

STAY SAFE!

Drs. Hamilton, McRae and Wilson