COVID-19 assessment clinic opening Monday inside Ray Friel complex in Orléans
A new COVID-19 care clinic operated by staff of the Montfort Hospital opens Monday at one of the rinks in the Ray Friel Recreation Complex in Orléans.
Patients as young as six months old will be able to be tested for COVID-19 and assessed for symptoms of respiratory illness — cough, fever and cold-like symptoms — that can't be managed at home.
The bilingual clinic at 1585 Tenth Line Rd. is equipped for basic diagnostic tests such as COVID-19 screening and laboratory tests in addition to COVID-19 testing.
The aim is to give local people the care they need and “allow local hospital emergency departments to focus on truly urgent cases,” the hospital said in a news release Friday.
The new centre will be open Monday from noon to 3:30 p.m. and thereafter on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
People can book one of two options online 24 to 48 hours in advance: a test alone, or a test and an appointment with a doctor for pressure or discomfort in the chest, difficulty breathing or a sore throat.
The reservation system was launched in English only so the service could be made available as soon as possible, but staff are working with the company that developed the booking system and a French version should be available within a few days.
People without internet access can call 613-288-5353.
A new door has been added to the Ray Friel Recreation Complex so people who come to the clinic won't be in contact with people using the complex's other services, and the ice rink has a separate ventilation system.
Ottawa residents can also be tested at the COVID-19 care clinic on Heron Road, also operated by Montfort; the care clinic on Moodie Drive, operated by the Queensway Carleton Hospital; the assessment centre in the Brewer arena; and the drive-thru centre at 330 Coventry Rd.