Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) COVID-19 Assessment Centre located at 47 Emma Street in Chatham has partnered with Chatham-Kent EMS to offer additional testing for walk-in patients in response to increases in both demand for testing and positive COVID-19 cases in the community.
“Our partnership team will continue our testing for walk-in patients at the (CKHA) COVID-19 Assessment Centre today and tomorrow,” Donald MacLellan, the general manager for Chatham-Kent EMS tweeted on Saturday, August 8, 2020.
“We are proud of our ability as a healthcare community to be able come together to provide patient centred care.”
Hospital officials say this testing will take place safely outdoors on the West side of the building (facing Ursuline Avenue).
“It is strongly encouraged to book an appointment but in order to accommodate individuals without an appointment, walk-ins are available,” CKHA officials said in a media release.
“Due to increases in volume, waiting times will vary. We are asking for the community to be patient as we meet this demand.”
At this time, to manage traffic flow, whenever possible patients are asked to be dropped off outside the building, hospital officials say.
For those without mobility issues, please utilize CKHA’s other available patient/visitor lots (Lot C, Lot D, Pegley Lot) when possible.
Free parking remains available at the 47 Emma Lot.
There is also municipal parking available on and around the property.
“CKHA’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre accepts patient self-referrals from anyone who suspects they are displaying symptoms of the virus or who have been in contact or exposed to a known COVID-19 positive case,” hospital officials say.
“The organization continues to encourage the community to book an appointment online through CKHA’s booking tool at www.assessmentbooking.ca. Before booking an appointment, please make sure you have a valid “green” Ontario health card. Please provide an email address while filling out the online form to confirm your appointment date and time. Patients who have a “red and white” Ontario health card, or those who do not have access to technology, can book an appointment by calling CKHA’s Registration at 519.352.6400 ext. 6548 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. After hours and on weekends, patients can call CKHA’s Switchboard at 519.352.6400 ext. 6584.”
Some additional reminders for patients attending the COVID-19 Assessment Centre:
– Patients are advised to book an appointment rather than walk-in to the assessment centre. Patients who arrive as a walk-in will be seen at the earliest convenience by the health care team and may be asked to return the next day or book an appointment if all time slots are filled.
– When attending the assessment centre, please bring your health card with you. This helps the health care team properly identify you. As we accommodate significant increases in volume and work to meet our community need, please be aware that waiting times may vary when you attend the Assessment Centre for your swab.
– Please bring a list of medications and any other information regarding allergies and past medical issues.
– Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. AND the last patient will be seen at 4:20 p.m.
– If you arrive after 4:20 p.m., please do NOT present to the Emergency Department. Return home to self-isolate and come back to the assessment centre in the morning.
– Additional drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics were announced on August 4, 2020 for the communities of Wheatley and Dresden. Click here for more information.
– Anyone with questions about COVID-19 are advised to visit CK Public Health’s website at http://www.ckpublichealth.com/covid19, call CK Public Health’s COVID-19 intake line at 519.355.1071 x1900 or email covid19@chatham-kent.ca.
