Expanding the COVID-19 assessment centres to include cold and flu care has proven to be worth it as more patients experience respiratory symptoms.
In late 2022, the centres expanded assessment services and were renamed COVID, Cold and Flu Care Centres (CCFCC).
Health System Integration Lead Nadine Neve, of the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team, said they have seen a slight increase in the number of COVID positive cases over the last week and a half or so, but assessments have also been done for cold and flu viruses.
"We're anticipating that the numbers will remain as they are. There are many days that the centres are booked to capacity but we are still working to get people in. We are seeing and providing a number of the COVID antiviral treatments as well."
In December 2022, 480 swabs for COVID-19 and 788 respiratory assessments were completed between the three Sarnia-Lambton CCFCC’s and First Nations partners. Fifteen per cent of all swabs/assessments since mid-December were pediatric patients.
"It's given another option for individuals to access and have an assessment if they feel that they need one so it's definitely continuing to assist with offloading some of the pressures on the emergency department in Sarnia and Petrolia," said Neve.
Although the different healthcare networks have been coordinating efforts, emergency department volumes at Bluewater Health continue to be higher than what was seen prior to the pandemic.
"We are currently experiencing a post-holiday surge, with individuals requiring acute care, and a variety of respiratory presentations," read an emailed statement from Bluewater Health Communications Business Partner Melissa Schilz. "COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinics give people another option if they are unable to get into their primary care provider, so they can avoid the emergency department unless absolutely necessary."
