The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital’s COVID-19 assessment centre will open tomorrow.
But that doesn’t mean there will be mass testing.
The centre is there to screen all patients who enter the hospital.
“It should not be considered a ‘testing centre,’ states a news release issued by the hospital.
“The purpose is to stream those presenting to the most appropriate area for care.”
So far, testing for Ontario residents is only available if the individual has gone through the province’s self-assessment test and is presenting symptoms.
The assessment centre will be staffed by hospital physicians and employees with the assistance of nurse practitioners from the Georgian Bay Family Health Team.
“Our priority is to continue to care for all emergency patients in the safest and most effective way possible so we urge the public not to show up to the assessment centre asking to be solely tested for COVID-19,” stated Lauren Tindall, CGMH Chief Nurse Executive. “Testing is restricted to patients who meet government screening criteria.”
The hospital said the best way to assist health care providers is by using the tools available on the Government of Ontario website for self-assessment.
Patients requiring emergency care should continue to come to CGMH but will be asked to enter through the assessment centre to be screened and directed to the appropriate area for treatment.
