Media Release
For Immediate Release: Friday, September 18, 2020
Wait Times at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
COVID-19 Assessment Centre
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) located at the Smiths Falls Site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is currently experiencing the largest increase in the number of residents seeking COVID-19 testing since the start of the pandemic in March of this year.
As has been the case over the last several months, the CAC is currently adjusting the operation of the CAC to better meet the community’s needs and has modified its hours of operation. The CAC will now be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., seven days per week. Please note that, priority is being given to residents who have symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 when booking appointments in the CAC. The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is requesting patience from the public at this time as the CAC addresses the current surge in requests for testing and asks that you call only one time to the CAC phone line so as to minimize volume and demands to respond. Testing is still by appointment only.
Please call 613-283-2330 ext. 1401 and leave one message clearly stating your name, date of birth and a contact telephone number. Our staff will return your call.
PSFDH is also asking that no pets be brought with you while you attend your appointment. If a support animal is required, we ask that they are restrained to ensure the safety of both you and the CAC staff member.
In the event that you have significant symptoms and are worried about a delay in an appointment for assessment and testing at the CAC, you may contact:
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 ext .2222
Or Telehealth Ontario (toll-free) at (866) 797-0000 or Toll-free TTY at (866) 797-0007
Further information is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-medical-advice-telehealth-ontario. Public members can also call their own family physician or nurse practitioner for advice and guidance. In the setting of an urgent medical situation or an emergency, public members should go to one of the Emergency Departments.
The CAC is located outside the Main Entrance on Elmsley Street North, Smiths Falls. Patients will drive up to the Main Entrance and remain in their vehicle while an in-vehicle assessment is completed.
The CAC is NOT a public entrance. The current patient drop-off/pick up areas remain in place at the Smiths Falls Site. Patients can continue to be dropped off and picked up at the Smiths Falls Site Emergency Department entrance located off of Cornelia Street.
About PSFDH
The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (the “Hospital”) is a fully accredited acute care health care organization located on two state-of-the-art sites. The hospital is situated in the heart of the Rideau Canal region and proudly provides health services to more than 60,000 people in the surrounding communities. The hospital delivers a broad range of primary and secondary services and programs such as emergency care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics, general and specialty surgical services, dialysis, as well as laboratory and infection control services.
For more information contact:
Dr. Barry Guppy President and CEO
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital 613-283-2330 ext. 1110
www.psfdh.on.ca
