With the early onset of cold and flu season compounded by COVID-19, the Timmins and District Hospital is taking steps to help out its emergency department.
Its COVID-19 testing centre, across Ross Ave., on the corner of Burke St., is now running an assessment clinic every morning.
RN and clinic coordinator Tara Miller says ER is hitting an all-time high in the number of visits.
“We’re actually up 32% compared to pre-COVID,” she states. “Obviously, you can see those extra numbers are putting a lot of strain on our emergency department.”
The assessment is by appointment only. If you have mild to moderate respiratory illness symptoms, call 705-267-0224. Miller says her staff will do its best to book an appointment for the next morning.
“We have a physician in the clinic mornings only,” says Miller. “But if they want to come in with us, if we have openings, we will definitely take them and assess them.”
The doctor will do a throat swab, look in your ears, and order an X-ray if necessary.
For more details, listen to our full interview with Tara Miller.