The Hawthorne Medical Clinic IS OPEN – Changes are being made to provide safe care to you, and to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Governments and organizations in many locations are taking preventative measures to promote social distancing as a means of containing the virus. The goal is to reduce the spread of the virus to keep our patients, providers, and staff safe. To that end, we are taking the following steps starting Monday, March 16th:
EVERYONE will be called prior to your scheduled appointment to determine:
1. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19
AND
2. If an ‘in person’ appointment is necessary or if the issue can be discussed via telemedicine (by phone or video appointments).
· Lab hours are reduced to 8am-12pm Monday-Friday. Non-essential and routine lab work should be delayed to avoid spreading the virus. If you are unsure, check with your doctor’s office.
· The Family Health Team Coronavirus Information Line provides the most up to date clinic information. 519-396-2700 ext.: 220
· For the most up to date general information: virusfacts.ca
· Kincardine is deploying a Respiratory Assessment Centre – This will be open soon and details will follow as soon as it is up and running.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
· If you need to see a healthcare professional, DO NOT show up at the clinic without calling first. You must call before coming to the clinic.
· If you are running out of medication, please ask the pharmacist to fax a renewal request to the clinic. For the time being, NO fees will be charged for prescription renewals from the pharmacy.
· If you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing, use this self-assessment tool: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment
· If you are sick, stay at home if possible. Follow the self-isolation guidelines from Public Health: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet-covid-19-guide-isolation-caregivers.pdf?la=en
· If you have traveled out of the country, self-isolate for 14 days as per Public Health recommendations.
WHEN YOU COME TO THE CLINIC:
· You will be screened when you arrive.
· You will be given a surgical mask if you need one and isolated.
· Stay 2m (6ft) away from other people.
· Do not touch any surfaces.
· Keep coats, purses and bulky belongings locked in your car as this will reduce the risk of bringing the virus to the clinic or bringing it home.
· You will not be given any take-home masks, gloves or gowns, since our supply is limited.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
· Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand. Also, make sure to wash your hands afterward.
· Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres.
· Call your PHARMACY before you pick up your medications, this will make sure you are not hanging around waiting for them to be prepared. Also, think about sending a healthy friend to pick up your medications if you are an ‘at risk’ person, or you have cold symptoms.
If you are having a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or other serious concerns, still call 911.
If you have respiratory symptoms and you need urgent care, call 519-396-3331 (Kincardine Emergency Department) first so you can be isolated upon arrival. This will be changing once the Assessment Centres are active. Please see SBGHC memo for more information related to the hospital: https://www.sbghc.on.ca/important-information-for-patients-and-visitors/~344-COVID-19-Response
We would like to thank you in advance for your patience, support and cooperation during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Kincardine Family Physicians and Staff
