A Covid-19 Assessment Center in Cobequid, Nova Scotia. Photo:NSHA
The provincial government opened up eight assessment centers for Covid-19 on Tuesday morning, including one at Fishermans Memorial Hospital in Bridgewater.
The centers will be used to determine whether people who are sick warrant further examination for Covid-19. The intent being that they will lower pressures on emergency rooms as well as reducing the risks of transmission.
“We want Nova Scotians to be able to access the right care, in the right setting, at the right times,” said Dr. Richard Hatchette who specializes in virology. “The resources of our health system are already strained by the seasonal flu and other demands. These COVID-19 assessment centres are another measure that will focus our work on testing those who most require it and to also help lessen the pressure on the rest of our system. We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we respond to this quickly evolving situation.”
The change in national screening protocols means that anyone who has travelled outside Canada may have come in contact with the novel coronavirus and should closely monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the country. Travellers who start to feel unwell should stay at home/self-isolate from the public.
“We expedited opening these COVID-19 assessment centres to respond to increased assessment demand as a result of the change in national screening protocols,” said Dr. Todd Hatchette,
Bethany McCormick spokesperson for the NSHA said the sites will vary in size and staff but they will essentially provide the service.
Before heading out to an assessment centre the NSHA says people with a fever of 38°C should call 811. Once on the line, medical experts can ask you questions to determine if you warrant a visit to an assessment center. The NSHA asks that no one goes to the centers unless referred by 811 with an appointment.
Once there teams will further analyze information about the patient at which point they refer them to a physician. The NSHA made special note that no testing would be done at these sites.
The facilities open as of Tuesday, March 10:
- Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney
- Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville
- South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater
- Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Yarmouth
- Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro
- East Side Collaborative Practice, New Glasgow
- Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Amherst
- Cobequid Community Health Centre, Lower Sackville
