Alternative options for assessment and treatment available in the community

(Peterborough, ON) – With declining patient volumes and a shift from acute crisis management to an integrated chronic approach for treating COVID-19, PRHC’s COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic (previously the COVID-19 Assessment Centre) will close on Friday, March 31, 2023.

PRHC’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre opened in April 2020 to respond to the community need for COVID-19 assessment and testing. Since then, it has provided safe and timely access to PCR testing, clinical assessments by nurses, paramedics and physicians, and treatment for COVID-19.

In December 2022, the clinic expanded its services to provide assessment, testing and treatment for patients with respiratory symptoms, including COVID-19, cold and flu.

“The work done to launch and operate PRHC’s COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic over the last three years represents a truly community effort, with a number of healthcare partners coming together to make this service possible for patients,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s current Chief of Staff and incoming President & CEO. “I am incredibly proud of the work of this clinic, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in its success – including every physician and staff member who stepped forward to provide their service and support at a very challenging and uncertain time for all of us.”

The Assessment Centre will remain open through to Friday, March 31. After this date, community members are encouraged to take advantage of one or more of the following services:

  • Primary care provider (family doctor)
  • For those individuals without a primary care provider, visit PRHC’s website to see a list of care alternatives in the community for unattached patients.
  • Call 811 or visit the Health811 website for safe, high-quality care from a registered nurse.
  • Visit a local pharmacy. Many prescribe and dispense Paxlovid and offer onsite PCR and rapid testing.

As respiratory illnesses continue to circulate in the region, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against viruses. All approved COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are effective at helping to protect against severe illness, including hospitalization and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines remain available to the public through Peterborough Public Health and participating pharmacies.

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For more information: Michelene Ough | Director, Communications | mough@prhc.on.ca