Central Health would like to advise the launch of virtual care services at the Bay d’Espoir Medical Clinic. Effective April 30th, 2020, residents of St. Alban’s and surrounding areas will be able to attend appointments with a physician from the comfort of their home. Residents can call the clinic to set up an appointment beginning today, Tuesday April 29, 2020.
On the day of the appointment, the patient will have the option of speaking to a physician over the phone or via video from a personal device. If an in-person clinical assessment is required, that will be booked with the physician (virtually) and/or Registered Nurse (in person). A Nurse Practitioner may also be available at that time to further assist a patient in person. If necessary, patients that present to their appointment with emergent concerns will be tended to by an EMS team initiated by a 911 call from the physician or Registered Nurse and transported to the most appropriate Emergency Department.
Virtual appointments with physicians will take place two days a week, with the intent to expand the hours in line with demand. In addition to the virtual care services, the Bay d’Espoir Medical Clinic will continue to operate Monday to Friday with a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner on hand and offer services such as X-Ray, EKG and urgent blood work. To reach the clinic, residents can call (709) 538-3244.
Dr Andrew Hunt, Chief of Staff – Rural Health with Central Health says “This model of virtual care is part of a long-term approach to ensuring safe and sustainable health care to the people of St. Alban’s and surrounding communities. As a model of care that is being increasingly used across Newfoundland and Labrador, we are confident that residents will appreciate the continuity of care that will come with having access to the same physicians on a consistent basis.”
Gayle St. Croix
Director of Communications, Central Health
cell: (709) 572 1165
