Editor’s note: the following is a letter written by Lennox and Addington Community General Hospital chief of staff Dr. Kim Morrison:
COVID-19 has been a challenging time for patients and our healthcare system. As services begin to re-open we learn to adapt to a “new normal” in our communities. It is important to know that your family physicians’ offices are all open but may be caring for their patients in different ways. As expected during a pandemic, things are not business as usual, but your health, both physical and mental remains a priority for your care team. We will work together safely.
The Lenadco Access Center is not yet back in operation as the COVID assessment centre is operating out of the space. All of our family doctors are at work in their offices. Our region is fortunate to have five family physicians who are currently accepting patients through Health Care Connect. We encourage all residents of Hastings and Lennox & Addington Counties to register with Health Care Connect to be connected to a family physician. This can be done online at http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/healthcareconnect/pro/ or by phone at 1-800-869-8828.
In most family practices virtual care, either by telephone or video conferencing is used for many conditions or at least as a first step in an assessment. It is safe to go to your family doctor in person when necessary and your provider’s office will give you details on how to do that. Clinics all have protective mechanisms in place to keep both staff and patients distanced and safe. Please do not show up at your family doctor without an appointment, call first. When you do go, please bring your own mask. Only if you have an emergency that cannot wait to be seen by your family doctor, is the emergency department at LACGH the best option.
By working together, we will make the most of our health care system to ensure all patients have access to the care they need, when they need it.