Thursday, August 11, 2022
Central Health would like to advise the public that it will start the repatriation of patients and residents displaced as a result of the ongoing forest fires in Central Newfoundland.
The Regional Health Authority began the transfer of patients and residents to healthcare facilities in Eastern Health and Western Health, Sunday, August 7, 2022, due to poor air quality conditions in Central Newfoundland. Central Health suspended the transfer of patients and residents on August 8, 2022 after weather and air quality conditions improved. In partnership with the other health authorities, repatriation will begin today, August 11, 2022, and will continue over the next day or two. Central Health would like to thank its many staff and physicians for their tireless efforts to support the transfer and care of patients and residents. Central Health would also like to thank Eastern Health and Western Health for its support in accommodating displaced patients and residents. 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. This number will provide access to a number of services including a 24/7 family inquiries line which will provide information about patients or residents who are transferred outside of central region due to the evacuation. This number will also direct callers to Central Health’s Client Navigator and Client Relations staff who will be available from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
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.
