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URGENT Message from Dr. Danielle Gervais, Medical Director – COVID-19 Update

Dear Patient,

The 2019 novel coronavirus, now officially designated as the COVID-19, remains a health concern.  There are additional countries that have been identified as currently affected areas.  As this is evolving rapidly, I encourage you to visit Public Health website for the most up to date information.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as of March 11, 2020 there are 103 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada of which 42 are in Ontario.  1 person has died.  PHAC considers the public health risk associated with COVID-19 to be low for the general population, but there is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians who:

• are age 65 and over;
• have compromised immune systems;
• and/or have underlying medical conditions

Governments and organizations in many locations are taking preventive measures to promote social distancing as a means of containing the virus.  The goal, at the moment, is to contain the virus and keep our patients, providers and staff safe.  To that end we are taking the following steps in the next week (starting March 16^th) or so:

• We will be converting all family medicine appointments to telephone visits for the next week so unless you receive a message from your primary care provider (MD or NP) before your scheduled appointment, please be prepared to receive a phone call from your MD or NP.  They will do their best to address your issues including prescription renewals, referrals, lab test requisitions, etc.   Your provider may determine during the telephone visit that an in-person visit is required and will book that appointment during the call.
• All allied health appointments (mental health counsellor, dietician & pharmacist), with the exception of appointments with the chiropodist, will also be converted to telephone visits until further notice.
• Appointments with our specialists will continue as planned unless you are advised otherwise.
• If you would like to cancel any non-essential visits please know that, temporarily, we will not be charging any fees for missed appointments.
• Similarly, no fees will be charged temporarily for prescription renewals from the pharmacy.
• We will be exploring other ways to provide access to healthcare and will be sharing this information with you in the coming days.
• Walk-In clinic: if you believe you need our walk-in services, please call ahead as we will be booking these same day appointments on the phone as much as possible. If you present in person to the Walk-in Clinic you will be given an appointment time and asked to come back. This is being done to reduce the amount of time that you have to spend in the clinic and therefore reduce the spread of illness. 

We continue to implement screening and infection control protocols as per Public Health.  We also NEED YOUR HELP.

BEFORE YOU COME TO THE CLINIC:

• If your appointment is not urgent, think about re-scheduling it for later this year.
• If you are running out of medication, please ask the pharmacist to give you an additional amount.  If they are unwilling to do that, please ask them to fax a renewal request to the clinic.
  • If you still need to see a healthcare professional, please call us.
  • If you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing, please call the clinic. DO NOT COME BEFORE CALLING
  • If you are sick, stay at home if possible.  Follow the self-isolation guidelines from Public Health.

IF YOU COME TO THE CLINIC:

• You will be questioned when you arrive.
• You will be given a surgical mask if you need one.
• Try and stay 2m (6ft) away from other people.
• Do not touch any surfaces.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.  Also, make sure to wash your hands afterward.
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.
• Get your flu shot if you haven’t already done so.

If you are planning on travelling over March break, the Government of Canada has posted advice here:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html  

Please note that at this time PH is now recommending self-quarantine for all persons returning from foreign travel.

For more information about COVID-19 click on the links below:

• Eastern Ontario Health Unit: https://eohu.ca/en/my-health/2019-novel-coronavirus
• Ottawa Public Health: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx 
• Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

We continue to monitor information and recommendations from Ottawa Public Health & will adjust our practices accordingly.

Finally, we are unable to provide you with any supplies (e.g. masks, gowns) since our supply is limited.

I would like to thank you in advance for your patience, support and cooperation in this challenging time.

Important Message from Dr. Danielle Gervais, Medical Director & Christopher Fisher, Executive Director – Student Medical Certificates

At UOHS, we understand that students often seek services not because they are in need of a medical evaluation per se but they require a physician or nurse practitioner to support the assertion that they are or were unable to fulfill an academic requirement for medical reasons. This requirement strains our resources and we have a responsibility to use those resources responsibly. In addition, it is important to limit exposure to contagious illness when not medically necessary. To that end, we have introduced a new process where students, when presenting to our walk in clinic, can request, from our reception staff, a medical certificate for a short term illness (less then 72hrs) without seeing a health care provider.  The University is aware of the new process and all faculties have been informed of this new procedure and will accept these certificates until further notice.

 Please note that a document fee will apply.

Important Notice for patients of Dr. Susan Fisher

To all my patients:

After much careful consideration I have decided to relocate my practice to the Cassleman Medical Center on June 1, 2020.

Casselman is a small town about a half-hour drive east of the University of Ottawa along the 417 in the direction of Montreal. The Casselman Medical Center is right beside the highway, has lots of free parking, and is located in the same building as a pharmacy, a laboratory and an X-ray & ultrasound clinic. 

The Casselman Medical Center asks each Ontario patient to sign an OHIP contract stating that you will not seek primary medical care elsewhere except in the case of medical emergency. This means that to remain enrolled in my practice you will not, for example, go to walk-in clinics in the Ottawa area.  Please confirm that you will remain in my practice after I move to Casselman by calling 613-764-5440 or by emailing casselmanmed@gmail.com.

If your preference is to continue to receive primary medical care at the University of Ottawa Health Services (UOHS), we are working to find a doctor to fill my space there and will notify you once this happens. If a new doctor has not begun working in my place at UOHS by June 1, 2020, and if you have decided not to continue to be my patient once I relocate to Casselman, you may attend the UOHS Walk-In Clinic when you need medical care.

I have greatly valued our relationship and thank you for the privilege of allowing me to serve as your family physician.

Sincerely,

Susan Fisher MD, CCFP

Note:  This is an abridged version of the communication sent by email on February 28th, 2020, for patients with an email address on file and by regular mail for those without an email.

Important Notice - Walk-In Clinic (100 Marie Curie) Access

Dear patient,

Due to the increase in demand and limited resources, access to our walk-in clinic services at the University of Ottawa Health Services (located at 100 Marie Curie) will only be available to patients who meet one of the following criteria:

1. *University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University students and staff
2. All patients, including Quebec residents, who are currently registered with a primary care provider at the UOHS
3. Ontario residents

*Please remember to bring your valid student or staff ID when accessing UOHS services.

This change in access is effective as of Monday, January 6th, 2020.

To find a walk-in clinic near your location go to the following website:

https://www.ontario.ca/locations/health/ (services in Ontario)

http://sante.gouv.qc.ca/en/repertoire-ressources/consultations-medicales-sans-rendez-vous/ (services in Quebec)

For additional information regarding UOHS walk-in clinic services please go to the Walk-in clinic page on our website at www.uottawa.ca/health/services/walk-in-clinic.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

The University of Ottawa Health Services

Important Notice for Patients of Dr. Lisa Lezack

Dear patient, 

I am writing to inform you that, for personal reasons, I will be on a leave of absence from February 3, 2020 until November 2, 2020.

We are very fortunate to have the support of two locums, Dr.Cassandra Shipp from February 3 to June 30, 2020 and Dr.Danielle DeBanné July 1 to October 31, 2020 to care for you during my absence.

These locum physicians will have the full support of the University of Ottawa health care team and will take great care of your medical needs during my absence. 

Please continue to book your appointments as needed by contacting UOHS by your preferred booking method. If booking an appointment after January 31, 2020, you will be seen by my replacement.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a partner in your medical care.  I wish you all the best in the new year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Lezack

Renovations 

Please note:

December 21^st to January 6^th

During renovations to the Walk-in clinic waiting room, the clinic will be temporarily moved to the 2nd floor at 100 Marie Curie. We apologize for any inconvience this may cause. 

Important Notice for Rideau Clinic Patients 

Walk-in clinic services/appointments will no longer be offered at the Rideau Clinic location as of January 2, 2020. Due to the unpredictability in demand (which has increased in the last few years) and limited availability, we are unable to provide consistent and reliable access for this service.

For all health related issues please contact the clinic at 613-564-3950 or go online at www.uottawa.ca/health/appointment to request an appointment.  If you believe your concerns are of an urgent nature, starting in January, your provider has reserved appointments specifically for these types of requests.  If we are unable to accommodate your request due to limited availability, patients can access walk in services at our 100 Marie Curie Walk-In clinic location.

To help you better determine the best option for your medical condition or need, please go to our Access Standards page on our website www.uottawa.ca/health/appointments-access-standards to find a list of available appointments at UOHS.

We thank you for your understanding and we look forward to working together towards your health and wellness.

The University of Ottawa Health Services

Important Notice for Patients of Dr. Lucille Poisson

Dear Patient,

Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your family physician as I have worked at UOHS over 20 years.  

This is a time for new projects in my life and I am writing this letter to inform you that I will be retiring from general practice and Dr. Paula Tchen will be managing the practice from March 1st, 2020.  

In the interim, Dr. Shawn O’Donnell is available for consultation.   In addition, Dr. Tchen will start some shifts as she transitions into the practice.

Dr. Paula Tchen is an experienced, bilingual and caring family physician educated at the University of Ottawa. She is a dynamic and dependable physician.  She values comprehensive care and she looks forward to meeting you and being a partner in your health.

I am grateful to have been involved with your medical care and I wish you the best of health in the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lucille Poisson

Note:  This is an abridged version of the communication sent by email on November 25th, 2019, for patients with an email address on file and by regular mail for those without an email.

Important Message from Dr. Donald Kilby - Flu Vaccine

The flu season will soon be upon us. In order to protect the most vulnerable, the very young and the elderly from the most severe consequences of influenza, Ontario Public Health offers free vaccine to everyone living and studying and working in Ontario, so that the spread of these viruses can better be controlled. 

Flu vaccines are available free of charge through special clinics held by Public Health, pharmacies, and through special flu vaccine clinics on UO campus. They will also be available when booking regular appointments for follow up with your designated health care providers at UOHS.

Due to limited availability of appointments and already long wait times in our Walk-In clinics, patients registered to a UOHS primary care provider, with the exception of patients 65 yrs. and older or children ages 5 and under, will not be able to book appointments for the sole purpose of receiving a flu shot. Similarly the flu vaccine will not be offered at the Walk-In clinic.

We urge you to attend special clinics being set up throughout the city and on our campus in order to receive your free flu vaccine. If you have an Ontario Health Insurance number, you may also receive free flu vaccines at designated pharmacies throughout the city. 
An OHIP number however, will NOT be required for free flu vaccine through special Public Health and UO flu vaccine clinics. 

Please consult the following links for further information. 

https://www.uottawa.ca/health/flu

Important Notice for Patients of Dr. Serge Chartrand

In follow-up to the communication from Dr. Chartrand, that was sent on December 13th, 2018, pertaining to his departure (February 1, 2019), the University of Ottawa Health Services wishes to update you with regards to your medical care. 
We are pleased to inform you that Dr. Marie-Claude Gagnon will assume the care of Dr. Chartrand’s patients and practice as of October 7, 2019. Dr. Gagnon is a bilingual family physician and a member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.  Her office, at the University of Ottawa Health Services, is located at 316 Rideau Street.  Please ask for her when booking an appointment.  
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and understanding during this process and

Important Notice for Patients of Dr. Donald Kilby

In follow-up to the communication from Dr. Kilby, that was sent on September 28th, 2018, pertaining to his retirement (December 31, 2018), the University of Ottawa Health Services wishes to update you with regards to your medical care. 

We are pleased to inform you that Dr. Daniel Trutt will assume the care of Dr. Kilby’s patients and practice as of September 1, 2019.  Dr. Trutt is a bilingual family physician and a member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.  Please ask for him when booking an appointment after August 16th, 2019.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and understanding during this process and we look forward to working together towards your health and wellness.

Note:  This is an abridged version of the communication sent by email on July 31st, 2019, for patients with an email address on file and by regular mail for those without an email.

Important Notice for Patients of Dr. Milkereit

Dr. Milkereit will be on maternity leave from June 2019 onwards, returning July 2020.

Dr. DeBanné will be caring for her patients until November 2019. Dr. Zumrova will be doing so in December & January, while Dr.Paluck will be providing care February through June 2020.

If you are an existing patient in need of an appointment, please continue to book your appointments as needed by contacting UOHS by your preferred booking method. 

Important Notice for Quebec Students

Effective June 1, 2019, University of Ottawa and Saint-Paul University Quebec students will be required to pay the non-refundable RAMQ visit fee when accessing services at UOHS.

Fee for patients registered to a UOHS primary care provider: $25

Fee for patients not registered to a UOHS primary care provider: 

Walk in clinic visits……..$35
Some specialty visits…..$25

Vaccine shortage

There is currently a global shortage of the following vaccines: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B (Engerix B, Twinrix, and Recombivax).

Although the clinic receives ongoing shipments of these vaccines (except Recombivax), the supply is very limited and shipment dates vary.  Since the clinic’s supply for these vaccines is often depleted prior to the next shipment, it is possible that the vaccine may not be available at the time of your appointment. 

As such, please book your appointment at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to travel, if not sooner, as we will put you on a waitlist (to book a 2^nd appointment) to receive the vaccine when the clinic receives a shipment. 

If you are a student requiring a vaccine for clinical placements please contact your faculty and/or the Office of Risk Management at uOttawa. Please accept our sincere apologies.

Important Notice for Patients of Dr. Hafsah Al-Azem

Dr. Al-Azem (UOHS Rheumatologist) will be on maternity leave from April 2019 to December 2019, returning January 2020.

Dr. Susie Duff will be caring for her patients during her absence, from May to December 2019.  If you are an existing patient in need of an appointment, you may be scheduled to see Dr.Duff at UOHS by contacting reception at ext 321.

For all urgent matters, please contact your family physician’s office or visit your nearest walk-in clinic or emergency department, as it may not be possible to schedule urgent follow up appointments during this time period.​

Scent Free Environment

As health service providers, UOHS recognizes that some people are sensitive to scented products. Thank you for helping us maintain a scent free environment!