Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre has made some changes to testing and emergency access under the new COVID-19 directives.
Public Relations coordinator Terri Noble says the assessment centre will be limited and anyone with mild systems is asked not to seek testing, rather self-isolate.
She says online booking is not available at this time and testing will only be available for high-risk individuals.
Noble says messages can be left with the centre to respond to inquiries.
She adds if anyone is experiencing breathing difficulties or severe symptoms call 911 immediately.
Noble says the public should also be aware that anyone accessing the emergency department will be triaged and seen by a physician as soon as possible.
Individuals who are inquiring about COVID testing please call the ERHHC Assessment Centre at 705-869-1420 ext. 4500. Calls will be answered by a member of the clinical staff within 24-48 hours of leaving a message. If you meet the testing guidelines of the Ministry of Health a test will be booked. Asymptomatic Testing: If you require a test for a preoperative procedure/appointment, please call the Assessment Centre and leave a message. Do not call the Emergency Department for COVID testing. Your call will be redirected to the Assessment Centre extension.
With increased patient visits/occupancy to the emergency department, you can expect an increase in our wait time to see a physician. Please remember that patients are seen according to their urgency/acuity and not according to their time of arrival to the department. Nursing staff will people on arrival and be seen by the physician as soon as possible.
