With over 300 COVID-19 cases in Ontario, the Bancroft Family Health Team is making changes to how they see patients.
All patients that go to the clinic will be screened for COVID-19. The team adds that you should not come to their office for your scheduled appointment if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms, have had close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case or you or someone close to you has travelled outside of Canada in the last 30 days.
If you do have any of those symptoms, the health team says to call them because your appointment will either be rescheduled or done over the phone. They also say to not go to the North Hastings Hospital if you have mild illnesses.
The Bancroft Family Health Team also says that you do not bring family members or friends with you to appointments, but you can – if necessary – bring one person along. Also when you get to the clinic you may be asked to wear a surgical mask and will be required to stay six feet away from people. You will also need to make sure you do not touch any surfaces at their office.
“Some in-person appointments with physicians will continue, but you need to be screened before you attend an appointment,” BFHT says. “We will be calling you.” Some appointments will be changed from in-person to over the phone, including all with diabetes nurses, dietitians, and social workers.
All FHT foot care and chiropody appointments along with injection appointments and the Fit, Meditation and Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation groups will be cancelled due to COVID-19. For foot care, the team says to call 613-332-1565, extension 220 if you need emergency care. Smoking cessation appointments will continue, but you will need to be screened for the virus beforehand.
“Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer,” the health team says as a general precaution. “Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.” They say to cough into your arm or a tissue, not your hand and to wash your hands after. The family health team also suggests avoiding visiting people in long-term care centres during the outbreak.