Blind River health clinic resumes outpatient services

NEWS RELEASE
NORTH SHORE HEALTH NETWORK
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BLIND RIVER - The North Shore Health Network is resuming complete Outpatient Laboratory services at the Blind River Site through a new appointment-based system to allow for physical distancing and increased infection control practices between patients.

Effective Sept. 21, 2020:

• A total of 25 appointments will be available per weekday on a first booked, first served basis.
• All Outpatient Laboratory appointments must be pre-scheduled through the dedicated Appointment Line:
  • Patients are asked to call 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2660 and clearly provide your name and best daytime telephone number on the messaging service.
    • A staff member will return your call within two business days.
      • The booking agent will return calls between the hours of 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. weekday mornings. Please provide a telephone number where you may be reached during these times.
      • Appointments will be booked between 7:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., Monday to Friday.
        • PLEASE NOTE: Same day and/or walk-in appointments are not available. There will not be a wait-list for cancellations. Patients are encouraged to book laboratory appointments well in advance of scheduled medical visits where results are required.
• In accordance with Algoma Public Health guidelines, patients must wear a clean face covering (i.e. non-medical or cloth mask) throughout the duration of their appointment.
  • Due to the close nature of Laboratory work, and to protect the safety of workers, patients who refuse to wear a face covering will not be served without proof of medical exemption.
• Patients are requested to attend appointments alone. However, individuals who require assistance are permitted to have one person accompany them. The patient as well as the individual accompanying them will both be subject to screening protocols.
• If you are a patient with a scheduled appointment who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or needs to cancel for any reason, please contact the Laboratory directly to cancel your appointment by calling: 1-705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2580.
• If you have questions about your requisition, fasting requirements or other general inquiries please contact the Appointment Line (ext. 2660) and provide details around your question. Please do not contact the Laboratory directly unless you are cancelling an appointment.

The North Shore Health Network has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and harassment in the workplace. No worker should be subjected to violent, threatening and/or abusive behaviour. Any such behaviour may result in the loss of access to Laboratory services. Thank you for treating our workers with respect and for your patience as complete outpatient services resume.

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