Central Health is advising of a gradual increase in services during Alert Level 3. Services will further expand to include appointments in ambulatory clinics, physician clinics, and allied health services such as (but not limited to) rehabilitation services, along with appointments in community health, and women’s health services.
Services that were previously increased in Level 4 – Medical Imaging, Endoscopy, Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic, Laboratory Services, and Surgical Services – will continue to increase in Level 3. Patients whose healthcare needs are identified by their physician as high priority within these areas will be contacted to have their appointments rescheduled. Patients should only proceed to appointments if they have been advised that their appointment is proceeding. Certain procedures will require the patient to have a COVID-19 test completed and the results received prior to the procedure. These patients will be contacted, and testing instructions provided for swab completion up to 96 hours in advance of their procedure. All patients admitted to hospital will require a COVID-19 test.
Providing care virtually will continue to be the first line of service delivery for most care providers. Where virtual visits are not appropriate, in-person services will include physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Patients with questions or concerns regarding a change in their health are advised to contact their healthcare provider, call the Healthline at 811, or proceed to the nearest emergency room if emergency services are required. Health Hub Clinics (non-emergent assessment clinics) are also available to any resident in Central Newfoundland who is unable to access a family physician for non-urgent needs. To reach the Health Hub clinic in your area, please call the Gander Medical Clinic at 709-381-0112 or 709-381-0338 and the Killick Clinic in Grand Falls-Windsor at 709-292-8404.
Measures are in place to protect individuals when entering our facilities. Upon entry, the public will be screened for COVID-19 through a series of questions and will be provided with a mask. We remind the public to practice physical distancing while in our facilities.
Entry points to facilities across the region may be adjusted to manage and screen individuals upon entry. Please follow any new directional signage and enter facilities using the designated entrance for your appointment.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Provincial Department of Health and Community Services website at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/. For updates pertaining to Central Health’s ongoing services, please visit our Facebook page and Twitter feed.
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Gayle St. Croix
Director of Communications and Government Relations
Central Health
cell: (709) 572 1165
