Elgin County residents suffering from suspected respiratory illnesses now have three more facilities to turn to for treatment.
COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinics are being opened in St. Thomas, West Lorne, and Stratfordville, the Elgin Ontario Health Team (OHT) announced on Tuesday.
The creation of the clinics comes at a time when the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital's emergency room is seeing unprecedented volumes. The new sites will divert patients away from the region's emergency departments, alleviating pressure on overwhelmed staff and shortening wait times.
“With high numbers of respiratory illnesses circulating in our region, we know this cold and flu season has been very challenging for many local residents,” said Deanna Huggett, the OHT's executive director. “The establishment of these clinics is the result of several of our Elgin health care partners working together to provide alternative accessible care options for residents experiencing respiratory illness.”
The West Lorne clinic, located at the West Elgin Community Health Centre at 153 Main St., will be open on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Straffordville clinic will be at the East Elgin Family Health Team facility at 9254 Plank Rd. on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the St. Thomas site will be at the Central Community Health Centre, 359 Talbot St. on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
People experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or season cold and flu are asked to contact their primary care provider before booking an appointment with the COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic. Those without a family doctor or nurse practitioner can call Health Care Connect for advice at 811.
Appointments for the new clinics are mandatory and can be pre-booked by calling 519- 631-2030 ext. 6210. Walk-ins will not be accepted, the Elgin OHT said.