COVID-19: we are safely open for business
COVID-19: we are safely open for business
With the rise in COVID positive cases across the country, there has been much talk in the media of hospitals once again having to close down elective surgery due to the strain on ICU and Emergency Departments as a result of admitted COVID patients. Acute care hospitals are responsible to respond to COVID patients but it is not a requirement of facilities such as ours as we have no ICU or ER services at our locations and as such do not provide care for COVID positive patients.
We appreciate that the daily media coverage on this subject paints a concerning picture. The ongoing efforts of our physicians and staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have allowed us to serve our patient communities across the country. We continue to have all our patients tested for COVID prior to their surgery as an added precaution.
There are no plans to delay or discontinue elective surgery and in fact we have responded to the request of the Ontario Ministry of Health to provide additional provincially funded procedures to assist in wait list management in our community. Working with our physicians and staff we are responding to this request by extending our working week hours and opening for surgery on weekends.
As you will note from your contact with us in scheduling or confirming your scheduled consultation or surgery we have taken great care from a patient and staff perspective to do everything necessary to keep us all well and we will continue these protocols to allow us to carry on serving you and our community.
We ask you as an individual to continue to be vigilant in your activities and follow all COVID healthcare prevention protocols to protect each other and our loved ones during these unprecedented times.
As we continue our clinical operations and elective surgeries, we thank you for your patience as we continue to adapt to these changing times. We are open for business and are taking appropriate measures to keep our patients and staff safe.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of our patients, healthcare team, and staff is always our top priority. We have established our COVID-19 preparedness plan and management policies for surgical and procedural protocols, while accommodating our patients needs for expedited access to healthcare. We are continually monitoring guidelines from the health authorities to adjust our plans, policies and timelines accordingly.
COVID-19 Protocol for Patients:
While we have always been dedicated to providing a clean and safe hospital environment, we will be enhancing both our sanitation procedures and their frequency. We are committed to the highest level of care and attention. This includes but is not limited to:
Our health care professionals and staff are happy to service you from a safe distance. Our heath care team has been properly trained on all safety and public health safety measures. This includes but is not limited to:
Management of traffic flow and physical distancing measures are in place at our clinic, to ensure a fluid and safe experience for all patients and staff. This includes but is not limited to:
We are booking all surgeries based on a schedule and timeline that best adheres to public health guidelines, including social distancing measures. This includes but is not limited to:
Your safety is always at the top of our minds and as such, we have put in place new technologies to better service our patients in a new way. Our website now has a virtual consult booking tool so that you can easily contact our program advisors at a time that’s convenient for you. Our surgeons and healthcare team are also available for telehealth and virtual consultations, so please reach out to us if you have any questions at 1-888-278-7952.
We will continue to update you as we navigate these challenging times. We appreciate your
patience as we work hard to help you become the best version of yourself.
Sincerely,
Your SmartShape Weight Loss Team
