The St. Joseph's General Hospital in Elliot Lake reminds the public that COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community and many healthcare facilities across the province.
St. Joseph's General Hospital (SJGHEL) is currently battling an outbreak and recently closed its Acute Care department and St. Joseph's Manor to general visitors, with exceptions for designated Essential Care Partners and under compassionate circumstances.
Despite the lifting of many pandemic restrictions in the province, the hospital is continuing some of them said St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake (SJGHEL) CEO, Jeremy Stevenson.
“We want to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our most vulnerable. That includes following all Ministry and Algoma Public Health guidelines, as well as asking our community to remain diligent in handling situations where they may be experiencing symptoms that could be COVID-19 related,” he said in a news release issued today.
The Emergency Department is open around the clock for medical emergencies regardless of symptoms.
“If you feel that you require testing for COVID-19, but you do not require acute medical care, please call the Elliot Lake Family Health Team at 705-461-8882 to book. The Elliot Lake Family Health Team is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is now also offering same-day nurse practitioner appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for non-urgent medical issues," Stevenson said.
“If you are COVID-positive, you can contact the COVID assessment centre to inform your physician that you are COVID-positive and may be able to access possible treatment with Paxlovid/Remdesivir," he added. "A reminder to everyone to please follow all Algoma Public Health regulations. You can contact Public Health for further guidance at 705-942-4646 or 1-866-892- 0172 ext. 5404, or contact Health Connect Ontario by dialling 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007)."
“Please help us keep you safe," Stevenson said. "If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and need to come to the Hospital, please contact the department you need to access (ie. Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory) prior to your arrival to enable us to receive you safely."
"This is to protect both yourself and other vulnerable persons within the hospital environment,” he added.