COVID-19 Assessment Centre to enhance safety in Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is working with the Ministry of Health, Northwestern Health Unit and Ontario Health North to develop a COVID-19 assessment site on the SLMHC health campus. This assessment centre is intended to enhance the protection of all patients, staff and community members. Details on the official opening will be announced early next week.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is available only to those who have been directed by SLMHC, Telehealth Ontario or the Northwestern Health Unit. Assessments for COVID-19 will be conducted by nurses who will provide recommendations to patients regarding self-monitoring, self-isolation and/or treatment. The need to perform COVID-19 swab testing will be determined by strict criteria.

“I am stressing that this assessment centre is for those who truly need it,” said Heather Lee, President and CEO of SLMHC. “If someone hasn’t been told to visit the centre by health officials, they should continue to be self-monitoring and contact Telehealth Ontario or the Northwestern Health Unit to discuss their symptoms and receive direction.”

The assessment centre will be located in the parking lot at the hospital’s Main Entrance, in an effort to keep excess traffic away from the Emergency Department and to reduce potential virus spread.

People who do not have COVID-19 symptoms will not be seen at the assessment centre and will be redirected as appropriate. COVID-19 symptoms range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe, and can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. More information about symptoms and COVID-19 can be found online at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Those who believe they have come into contact with, or have symptoms of COVID-19, are to self-isolate and call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or the Northwestern Health Unit at 1-800-830-5978 for further direction.

We thank everyone for their patience during this difficult time. The SLMHC website will be updated regularly with more information: www.slmhc.on.ca.