Call first, says local doctor.

Mar 18, 2020

Special protocols are in place at local doctor’s offices

Dr. Sabra Gibbons and her team at the Verona Clinic are continuing to serve their patients needs this week, but some of the protocols at the clinic have been changed in order to protect both the patients and clinic staff from any risk of exposure to COVID-19.

“We are open for business during our usual hours,” said Gibbons, in a phone interview on Tuesday morning.

But patients, whether or not they have an appointment, are being asked to call first. The clinic has been contacting patients who have appointments, offering virtual visits over the phone in some cases, and determing which patients do require in person visits.

“We are trying to be sensible,” said Dr. Gibbons. “Our waiting room is tiny, so it affords little or no social distancing, so we are have in people wait in cars and we go get them when it is their turn.

Patients displaying symptoms of a respiratory illness are encouraged to call the clinic before travelling to it in person, and they will be evaluated to determine if they should stay home, or travel to hospital for treatment or testing. If they need to be seen in the clinic, a separate entrance will be used and staff will use protective gear when assessing them and the cleaning protocals in the clinic, which are already in place, will be employed

“If I, or a member of my staff, develop any symptoms, we will self isolate immediately and will carry on our work through virtual means,” she said.

She said that the clinic is in contact with other clinics in the area and is also in contact with KFL&A Public Health.

“The situation is evolving constantly, as you know” she said, “and we are working to make sure that not only are our patients and the community taking steps to avoid transmission of COVID-19 but that the ongoing health needs of our patents are still being addressed.

As of Tuesday morning, there were 186 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario, and 1 death. There were still no cases in Kingston or Frontenac County.

“That is certain to change,” said Dr. Gibbons.

(for further information on medical services in other locations, call your local clinic, or see the public service ad on page 7 from the Sharbot Lake Family Health Team)