COVID Assessment Centre open at Erie Shores HealthCare

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — With the provincial government’s announcement last week emphasizing the need for increased testing for COVID-19, Erie Shores HealthCare has responded to provide assessments for residents of Essex County.

On Thursday, April 16, the new COVID-19 Assessment Centre opened at Erie Shores HealthCare.

After earlier discussions with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Erie Shores HealthCare was approved by Ontario Health, West Region, to open the centre within the hospital.

Thursday morning at 8am, the centre opened its doors. The hours of operation are 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. There is a potential to expand the hours based on demand. The centre is open for walk-ins and you don’t require a referral from TeleHealth or your family doctor to attend.

A clinical assessment must be done before testing. You will be required to attend the screening trailer and then sent around to the assessment centre entrance at the back of the hospital. After five days, the centre has tested 200 people.

“The ESHC COVID-19 Assessment Center is welcomed news to the communities in which we serve,” says Janice Dawson, CEO at Erie Shores HealthCare.

The increased testing in Ontario will undoubtedly drive the number of confirmed cases up, but officials are hopeful that the curve is still being flattened.

Meanwhile, the move in Leamington frees up the Erie Shores HealthCare Emergency Department.

“The COVID 19 Assessment Center will keep symptomatic patients out of the Emergency Department so the hospital can remain focused on the highest acute care needs of this community,” said Doctor Ross Moncur, Chief of Staff for Erie Shores.

Upon assessment, it will be determined if you require a swab test. Further direction will be provided to patients on whether to self-isolate or self-quarantine. The Windsor Essex County Health Unit will then follow up with patients once their results are available.

For more information on the Assessment Centre, visit www.erieshoreshealthcare.ca or check them out on social media.