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After following provincial direction in March to temporarily reduce or suspend non-essential services in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deep River and District Hospital is now beginning to gradually resume scheduled care.
While the organization is eager to welcome back patients, the top priority will be making sure that everyone remains safe. The gradual ramp up of services will be based on provincial and regional frameworks, which outline a number of measures that must be in place. For example, capacity must remain available for any surge in COVID-19 cases and we must ensure that there is adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) available.
The gradual resumption of services at the Deep River and District Hospital will begin with Diagnostic Imaging (x-ray and ultrasound services). Beginning the week of June 29, the Diagnostic Imaging department will begin completing those tests that have been delayed due to the pandemic. Patients will be prioritized to ensure that those most in need of care are seen first, and patients will be contacted by the Hospital to schedule an appointment. At this time, all other in-person non-essential services remain reduced or suspended.
When patients return to the Hospital, they will find that a number of changes have been made in light of the ongoing pandemic. Everyone who enters the organization will continue to be screened for COVID-19 and will be required to wear a mask. While masks will be provided to those who need them, patients are asked to bring and wear their own mask where possible to help conserve our PPE supply. Staff members will also be wearing masks or other forms of PPE, and patients will notice that many measures are in place throughout the organization to ensure social distancing and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Patients are asked to arrive for their appointment no more than 5 minutes early to minimize traffic throughout the organization and the number of people in the waiting room. Patients must follow directions provided by the screening desk staff and are to travel only into their appointment location and out again, while maintaining social distance in the waiting area. Accompaniment is not permitted for patients unless they require physical assistance or are a child.
Those who still have to wait for rescheduled in-person appointments may continue to receive care virtually where possible through the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre. The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre remains accessible 24/7 for residents who have non-life-threatening health issues and do not have a primary care provider or cannot reach their primary care provider by calling 1-844-727-6404. Emergency Departments across the region remain open to provide emergency care throughout the pandemic.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to resume services and provide an excellent, compassionate health care experience in the safest way possible.
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