KHSC offering new clinical COVID-19 assessment appointments
Additional services for those with worsening COVID-19 symptoms will now be available through the Beechgrove Assessment Centre in Kingston, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) announced today.
A result of the high levels of COVID-19 cases “continuing to be observed in the community as a result of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant,” appointments with a nurse, paramedic, and/or doctor will now be available through the Beechgrove Assessment Centre for area residents to undergo a clinical assessment of their symptoms. However, KHSC explained that booking a clinical assessment appointment does not mean an individual is eligible for a COVID-19 test under the new Ontario Health guidelines. The eligibility guidelines for PRC testing are available here.
“Currently, individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are being asked to self-isolate for five to 10 days depending on vaccination status and immune status,” KHSC said in a press release on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.
“Now, if symptoms worsen or do not improve during that time, or if individuals are concerned about new symptoms, they can book an assessment appointment at Beechgrove.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
• Fever (greater than 37.8 C or 100 F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Runny nose/congestion
• Headache/ muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
Of course, individuals who experience difficulty breathing or chest pain should go directly to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1, KHSC expressed.
Additionally, KHSC is reminding members of the public that they are not attend the Emergency Department at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) or the Ugrent Care Centre at Hotel Dieu Hospital for COVID-19 PCR testing.
“The ED and UCC will only administer COVID-19 testing if a patient meets a strict clinical criteria for testing,” KHSC said.
According to KHSC, appointments for assessment at the Beechgrove Complex can be booked daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. online at https://ygkcovidtesting.coconutcalendar.com/, or by calling 613-548-2376.