A LETTER TO OUR PATIENTS

As we enter into October and see COVID19 cases on a rise in Ontario, we wanted to provide an update regarding Norfolk Family Medical office protocols. While we may be doing things a bit differently, please know that we are still here to provide care for you.

Appointments:

We will continue to provide the majority of care via virtual (video) or phone call visits. We encourage our patients to consider a virtual visit when possible as it is easy to set up (requiring only an email and web browser on a computer/cell phone) and the video medium can often facilitate better care. While we do have the ability to see patients in person, these visits must be approved by a Practitioner. This process may involve a preliminary visit by phone or video and then a brief in-person visit to complete the assessment when needed.

Due to the volume of phone calls and emails our staff are receiving, we ask that you do not call in if you have not been contacted by a Practitioner for your scheduled phone or virtual visit appointment. Emergency situations continue to occur and Practitioners may be running behind. When scheduling your appointment, please arrange to be available for an hour after your booked appointment time.

As per our office policy, requests for prescription renewals and form completions should account for a minimum processing time of 48h for renewals and 72h for forms. If you have submitted a form, our staff will contact you once the form is complete. Please avoid calling in for status inquiries.

In-office services:

Prior to any in-person visit, you will be screened for COVID19 over the phone or via email and again at the door upon entry.

Please note:

We are currently NOT ACCEPTING WALK-INS to the waiting room for pickups, nursing services, or appointment scheduling. Coordination of these services must be done over the phone.

You must wear a mask upon entry into the office. When possible, come alone to appointments and keep personal items to a minimum. If you are visiting the office to pick up or drop off forms or letters, please call upon arrival before entering the office.

COVID19-related information:

For any school-related COVID questions about student symptoms and/or return to school after illness, PLEASE CONTACT PUBLIC HEALTH . Each school in our district has been assigned a Public Health nurse as a school resource. NO DOCTOR'S NOTE IS NEEDED for a return to school. Please refer to the excellent resources on our local Public Health website around COVID self-assessment and resources related to workplaces and schools/daycares.

Reminder: The COVID Assessment centre has moved to 400 Southgate Drive and hours of operation are Mon - Fri 8 AM to 8 PM, Sat / Sun 9 AM to 4 PM. This is currently the only location in Guelph, other than the hospital, where a COVID swab can be completed. For those living outside of the Guelph area, please check the Public Health website for a local assessment centre closest to you.

Flu shots:

We are expecting to have the final plan for flu shots confirmed by Public Health in the next 1-2 weeks and will send out an email regarding these details once they are confirmed. Please continue to check our website norfolkfamilymedical.ca for updates!

We thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.

Yours sincerely,

Norfolk Family Medical Doctors and Staff