ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT CENTRE EXPANDING SERVICES TO PATIENTS WITH COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS

November 24, 2022

The healthcare system in Ontario is currently facing challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an earlier than usual influenza (flu) season, and a challenging Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season, putting additional pressures on hospitals and emergency departments across the province.

In an effort to ease the burden on the Emergency Department and better serve patients in the community, Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC) will be expanding services offered through the Assessment and Treatment Centre to assess patients with influenza (flu)-like illness, cough and cold symptoms without needing to visit the Emergency Department.

Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu can contact the Assessment and Treatment Centre to make an appointment to be assessed by a healthcare provider. As there is limited space at the Assessment & Treatment Centre, please do not walk-in without an appointment.

Patients experiencing severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention (including difficulty breathing) should go to the Emergency Department, or call 911 for urgent care.

Patients needing non-urgent health advice can also contact Health Connect Ontario by calling 811, or using the live-chat feature at ontario.ca/healthconnectontario.

Within the community, we are seeing an increased number of patients with serious respiratory and flu-related illnesses. There are steps you can take to keep yourself, your family, and the most vulnerable members of our community safe:

Masking: wearing a face mask in crowded indoor places is an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and other viruses. Consider masking in indoor spaces, including grocery stores, schools, sporting and recreation facilities, or at other indoor gatherings. .

While masking is not required in most indoor settings in Ontario, as a healthcare facility the Dryden Regional Health Centre still requires universal masking for everyone entering the facilities, including patients, staff, visitors, and contractors entering any of the buildings on our campus. This includes the main hospital site, the Dryden Area Family Health Team, Dingwall Medical Clinic, and the Assessment & Treatment Centre.

Vaccination: being up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shot are simple ways to lower your risk of getting sick, and lowering your risk of severe illness. Contact the Northwestern Health Unit, or ask your pharmacy about where and how to get these shots today.

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