The Cedar Hill Recreation Centre in Saanich has been transformed into a referral-only COVID-19 clinic by Island Health.
The health authority says family doctors and nurse practitioners who have completed a virtual assessment can refer people who have COVID-19 symptoms and require a face to face assessment.
The clinics will be used for people who have more than mild symptoms, but are not sick enough to attend the emergency department.
Similar clinics are being set up across Vancouver Island. The municipality of Saanich offered up the building.
“They have asked for an inventory of faculties,” said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes.
“[Places like] rec-centres, other municipal buildings that they may be able to use for a dual purpose to put up o a new testing centre or perhaps an area for hospital beds. The Cedar Hill Rec Centre is being transformed.”
Mayor Hanyes also said other municipalities across the CRD are looking at doing the same.
Island Health says they are also working with 8-1-1 to ensure people who don’t have a doctor or NP can have access to this service, if required.
Those who would be eligible to be referred to the clinic under the BCCDC testing criteria are:
- People who are hospitalized or likely to be hospitalized.
- Health Care Workers.
- Residents in Long Term Care.
- Part of an investigation for a cluster outbreak.
Island Health adds that The referral-only assessment clinics are different in that they are for symptomatic patients, who have been referred.
Mayor Haynes said he was glad the municipality could help the health authority during the crisis.
“Sadly we have to prepare for the worst. and we are preparing for the possible worst outcome. Because unless those patients get the critical care they need when they need it then the death rates will increase,” he added.
Julian Kolsut
