On Monday March 30th the Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH), in partnership with the Sunset Country Family Health Team (SCFHT), Kenora District Services Board (KDSB), Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig (WNHAC), and Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA), will be operating a new COVID-19 Assessment Centre.
The Assessment Centre’s key role is to assess people, and for those who meet certain criteria, take a specimen from them for subsequent testing for COVID-19 by an approved health laboratory. A sample is taken from the back of the nasal cavity with a swab. There is a strict criteria for testing so not everyone assessed will be swabbed Offering this type of service in an Assessment Centre reduces patients who otherwise would seek this service in the Emergency Department.
Screening process is subject to change as new situations develop.
Community members with potential COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. fever, new or worsening cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose and joint aches) who feel they need to be assessed for COVID-19 must phone the Northwestern Health Unit Hotline 1-866-468-2240 first to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria. If eligible, the Northwestern Health Unit will inform the Assessment Centre and the individual will then be contacted to schedule an appointment. The Assessment Centre does not offer a walk-in service.
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is open on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by appointment only.
To access the Assessment Centre which is on the hospital site, turn onto Nethercutt Drive and turn right onto Wolseley Avenue (see map below). Enter the assessment lane which will be signed.
As you turn into the Assessment Centre laneway, you will drive or walk beside a tent canopy where you will be assessed by a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse. The assessment will include taking a history, vital signs and conducting a risk assessment. If you are eligible for testing, a swab will be taken and you can exit the assessment area. If you are driving, you will not need to leave your vehicle.
For people requiring further assessment, you will be taken inside the Assessment Centre. You may receive further diagnostic assessment. For people who do not require medical intervention and may safely be managed independently, you will be provided with contact and health management information and you may leave the Assessment Centre. If you need medical intervention, you will be seen in the hospital in the most appropriate service.
The Kenora COVID-19 Assessment Centre is approved and funded by the Ministry of Health. The Assessment Centre operates in close collaboration with the Northwestern Health Unit. The Hospital, Northwestern Health Unit, Sunset Country Family Health Team, Kenora District Services Board, Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig, and Kenora Chiefs Advisory are all members of the All Nations Health Partners which reflects the strength of this coalition.