Western Health Increasing Services During Alert Level 3
Western Health is advising the public that services will increase in Alert Level 3 within the following areas:
· Medical imaging
· Endoscopy
· Cardiac diagnostic
· Surgical services
· Blood collection services
· Outpatient appointments such as Orthopedic, Physiotherapy, Dietitian, Interventional Pain services, Wound and Ostomy care
· Community services such as Mental Health and Addictions, Public Health, Community Support services, Autism services, and Speech and Audiology
· Specialist appointments.
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 incorporate physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Patients whose needs are identified by their health care provider as high priority within these areas will be contacted to have their appointments rescheduled. 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 up to 72 hours in advance to book their testing appointment. All patients admitted to hospital will require a COVID-19 test.
Measures are in place to protect individuals when entering our facilities. Entry points to facilities across the region continue to be adjusted to screen individuals. At all facilities, members of the public will be screened for COVID-19 through a series of questions and those who enter will be provided a mask. While in our facilities, we ask you wear a mask and adhere to strict physical distancing measures. We also ask that you do not arrive more than 10 minutes prior to your appointment time to assist with physical distancing measures.
Western Health thanks patients for their understanding as we increase services. Individuals with questions or concerns regarding a change in their health are advised to contact their health care provider, call the Healthline at 811, or proceed to the nearest emergency room if emergency services are required. Individuals with questions or concerns may also contact our Client Relations office at 1-833-784-6802.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health and Community Services website at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/. For updates pertaining to Western Health’s services, please visit Western Health’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.