The COVID-19 assessment centre at the Owen Sound Regional Hospital is now offering same-day appointments.
“We added two extra hours a day to our assessment centre a few weeks ago. Plus, we have recently been offering appointments on weekends,” said Mary Margaret Crapper, chief, communications and public affairs for Grey Bruce Health Services.
“Our partner-hospitals have also added capacity to see more patients, and among the three of us, this increased capacity has allowed more people to be seen. Currently, there are at least 50 same-day appointments available at our Owen Sound Hospital Assessment Centre,” she explained.
There are currently three COVID-19 assessment centres in Grey County - Owen Sound Regional Hospital operated by Grey Bruce Health Services, Kincardine Hospital operated by South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) and Hanover & District Hospital.
SBGHC has also extended the hours of its COVID-19 assessment centre at the Kincardine Hospital, adding two additional hours each day, and began operating on Saturdays on Oct. 10.
“Although the Kincardine Assessment Centre experienced very high volumes on Sept. 21 creating long lines for patients as the centre opened, we have had available testing capacity for patients every day since Sept. 21,” said Meghan Legge, manager of communications, engagement and patient experience for SBGHC.
Individuals who require a COVID-19 test are being asked to visit the assessment centre that is located in closest proximity to their residence.
Crapper says test results take 48 to 72 hours to come back from the lab, and “if you need a test for a visit to a long-term care home, or for a pre-booked surgery - book ahead.”
Construction work will also soon be underway at the Owen Sound assessment centre to cover the walkways in order to protect patients from upcoming winter weather.
Due to the construction, COVID-19 tests booked on Saturday, Oct. 17 will be conducted inside the Hospital’s Fracture Clinic. Patients will be escorted from the assessment centre parking area into the building.
Residents are also reminded to only seek a COVID-19 test if they are experiencing related symptoms.
“Testing asymptomatic people is not recommended, and reduces the capacity of our assessment centres to test people with symptoms,” Crapper said.
COVID-19 tests can be booked at the Owen Sound Hospital centre online at gbhs.on.ca or by calling 519-378-1466.
To book a test with SBGHC at the Kincardine Hospital, visit https://booking.sbghc.on.ca/ or call 226-257-1500.
The Hanover and District Hospital COVID-19 tests can be booked online at https://hdh.appointlet.com/s/assessment.
