Monday, August 8, 2022
With weather and air quality conditions becoming more favorable, the imminent threat to patients and residents due to ongoing forest fires in the Central Newfoundland has decreased. As a result, Central Health would like to advise the public that it has suspended the transfer of patients and residents to healthcare facilities within the Eastern Health or Western Health region effective immediately.
Please note that this is a suspension of transfers only, repatriation (return trips) will not be taking place at this time.
For anyone with questions about loved ones who have been transferred to another health care facility, Central Health has set up a dedicated phone line at 1-833-960-4571.
Central Health would like to thank its many staff and physicians for their tireless efforts to support transfers over the weekend. Central Health would also like to thank Eastern Health and Western Health for its support in accommodating displaced patients and residents.
While the suspension of transfers is viewed as a positive sign, contingency planning continues for Central Health. The Regional Health Authority is prepared to resume transfers should conditions again be deemed unfavorable.
As of August 8, 2022, the Government of Canada has listed Grand Falls-Windsor’s Air Quality Health Index as Low Risk.
Services There will be no change to Impacted Services at CNRHC at this time. This includes:
Emergency Services
Emergency Services remain open at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre (CNRHC) in Grand Falls-Windsor, however, anyone requiring admission will be transferred to another facility based on the care need. Central Health would also ask that only those requiring emergency services present at this time.
Elective and non-urgent services
All elective and non-urgent procedures have been cancelled at Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre and James Paton Memorial Regional Heath Centre. Anyone with an appointment will be contacted to reschedule their appointment.
Laboratory Services
All outpatient blood collection has been cancelled. Laboratory Services Staff will reach out to those who have booked appointments. Walk-in services will not be offered during this time.
Medical Imaging Services
Patients will be contacted by a member of the Medical Imaging Department to confirm whether your appointment will go ahead as scheduled, the time of the appointment or whether there is a need to postpone at this time.
Cardiopulmonary and Rehabilitative Services
All out-patient Cardiopulmonary and Rehabilitative appointments have been cancelled at this time. Patients with appointments have been contacted by staff and will be rescheduled when it is safe to do so.
All booked appointments are being screened and booked patients will be contacted regarding their appointment.
Travel clinics for Rehabilitative Services remain in place for areas not experiencing a road closure.
Other Services
• All cancer services and in-centre dialysis will go ahead.
Obstetric Services
All OBS services have been diverted to James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre (JPMRHC) in Gander. This diversion began at 12:00 pm (noon) Monday, August 8, 2022. If you are in labour or labour is imminent, please proceed to JPMRHC.
Doorways
Doorways services are still available, primarily through virtual/telephone appointments. Please call 489-8841 to speak with a staff member regarding services.
Mobile Crisis Response Teams, FACT (Flexible Assertive Community Treatment) and ODT (Opioid Dependency Treatment) teams will continue to operate.
Community Mental Health and Addictions Services – Queensway Community Health Building
Individuals with booked appointments will be contacted by a staff member from Mental Health and Addictions Services to confirm whether your appointment will go ahead as scheduled, the time of the appointment or whether there is a need to postpone.
For up to date programs and services for Mental Health and Addictions, please use this website: https://nl.bridgethegapp.ca.
Residents requiring emergency services during this time are advised to call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Central Health apologizes for this interruption of service and thanks the public for their understanding and patience as we continue to focus on providing safe and quality care for the residents of the central region. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Central Health’s Client Navigator for assistance at 1-844-651-6214 or clientnavigation@centralhealth.nl.ca.
The latest Central Health updates can be found at http://www.centralhealth.nl.ca and on Twitter or Facebook @CentralHealthNL.
Health Hub
Central Health's Health Hub is available to ALL residents of Central Newfoundland who have non-emergent medical issues, who do not have a family physician or whose family physician is not available. Health Hub clinics are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. To reach the Health Hub, please call the Gander Medical Clinic at 709-381-0112 or 709-381-0338 or the Killick Clinic in Grand Falls-Windsor at 709-292-8404. Patients should expect an increase in wait times for both in person and virtual appointments at Health Hub Sites. For more on Health Hubs click here.
811 HealthLine
Residents are also reminded of the 811 HealthLine which they can avail of anytime. 811 Healthline is a confidential and free telephone line staffed by experienced Registered Nurses. 811 is available to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, of any age. Call 811 at any time, day or night, to speak to a Registered Nurse. They are always there for you.
The HealthLine has a nurse practitioner (NP) virtual care service. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with additional education and experience who can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, if required, to treat a variety of common health care conditions at every stage of life. This service can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits for non-emergent issues. Appointments with NPs over the phone or by video are available everyday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, including weekends. PLEASE NOTE THAT, DEPENDING ON APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY, IT COULD TAKE UP TO 3 DAYS TO SEE THE 811 NP.
