Sioux Lookout COVID-19 Assessment Centre moving to new location

The Sioux Lookout COVID-19 Assessment Centre, operated by Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) will be moving to its new location next to the hospital’s emergency entrance, effective Tuesday, October 13, 2020. 

The Centre has been operating since March 27 in a trailer located in the Main Entrance parking lot, and this move will see it moving inside the hospital in a separate and secure space.

“This move will make access easier and addresses two challenges,” explains Samantha Brooks, Director of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “The first challenge is that with winter upon us, we need to ensure our staff and patients are safe from the elements. This move will see the Assessment Centre inside the hospital, with its own separate entrance, to ensure we can keep it open during inclement weather.”

The second challenge the move addresses is opening up our Main Entrance parking lot and the adjacent Main Entrance next to it.

“This means we can open our Main Entrance eventually and that patients can use this parking lot to make it easier for them to access our facilities while reducing foot traffic through the Emergency Entrance during our busier weekday hours,” says Brooks, who notes that the main entrance will having screeners in place and the date of its opening will be announced soon.

The Assessment Centre’s entrance will be next to the emergency department and clearly marked for those patients coming for tests. It will continue to be by appointment only and those wishing to schedule a test can call (807) 737-5880. Parking for those coming to the Centre will be close to the entrance and clearly marked. The hours will continue to operate as Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As advised from our regional public health officials, the Northwestern Health Unit, those who have symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test should schedule their test with the Centre. To find out more about COVID-19 symptoms and testing recommendations for our region, please visit www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19. We remind all patients and visitors coming to the hospital that there are visitor restrictions and screening still underway. To find out about how our services and facilities are impacted by COVID-19, please visit www.slmhc.on.ca/covid19.