Osler addressing COVID-19 capacity pressures and demands
To address added COVID-19 pressures, William Osler Health System (Osler) will close its COVID-19, Cold and Flu (CCF) Clinic at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial) effective Wednesday, April 14. This will enable Osler to redeploy vital resources to help the increasing need for care and space for our sickest patients.
The communities served by Osler hospitals continue to be among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Osler is experiencing significant pressures from rapidly-rising numbers of COVID-19 positive patients who are very ill and need to be admitted to hospital, including many with Variants of Concerns (VOCs).
“At Osler, the delivery of safe, quality care to all patients is paramount in all decision-making. The closure of the CCF Clinic will enable Osler to refocus resources to areas where they are needed most and will have the greatest impact on patient care,” said Kiki Ferrari, Chief Operating Officer, William Osler Health System. “This will allow us to concentrate on our sickest patients and help ease some of our capacity pressures during this third wave. As a health system, we have never been so challenged and we appreciate the understanding of the community as we go beyond during this pandemic.”
The CCF Clinic, which opened in September 2020, has played an instrumental role in Osler’s COVID-19 response, providing much-need services to the community. Residents are encouraged to visit their doctor’s offices and walk-in clinics, if necessary, and go directly to the closest Emergency Department if they require emergency or urgent care related to a serious injury, illness or condition.
COVID-19 testing will continue to be offered at Osler’s Brampton Testing Centre at Peel Memorial by appointment from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily, along with other community testing centres. Osler’s Emergency Departments continue to support anyone who needs urgent or emergency care with safe, high-quality care 24/7. Also, Osler’s newly-opened Virtual Urgent Care service is available for appointment between 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. seven days a week to support patients with urgent, non-life threatening medical issues, including questions and concerns about COVID-19, cough and flu-like symptoms.