Adapting our Practice to the COVID-19 Reality

COVID-19 case numbers have increased across the province. It is more important than ever that we all do our part to protect and keep each other safe. The Selkirk Medical Group is dedicated to providing ongoing service and guidance to our community through this pandemic. We hope that the information below will answer some of the questions you might have. Please do not hesitate to call our clinic if you would like to talk with one of our physicians.

I need to book an appointment. Are you booking phone visits? What if I need to be seen in person? What safety measures are in place?

The Selkirk Medical Clinic has implemented broad measures to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients and staff. Most significantly, we continue to encourage and book telehealth and phone appointments whenever possible. When in-person visits are necessary, we have made the following changes to our usual process:

Capacity: We will limit the number of patients in the clinic at any time to ensure that appropriate social distancing can be maintained
Booking: We ask that all patients call ahead to book appointments. Whenever possible, the initial appointment with a physician will be via phone or video health. When necessary, subsequent in-person visits will be arranged.
COVID Screening: All patients who need to present in-person are asked to complete the COVID Self Assessment tool. Those who screen positive should call for advice on how to proceed.
Check-in Procedures: Patients may be asked to wait outside the building until called for their appointments to minimize time in wait rooms. We have changed our entrance flow and check in procedures to facilitate social distancing and hand-hygiene. Whenever possible we ask patients to attend appointments alone.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE will be worn by our doctors and staff as situations dictate. At minimum, all patients and staff will be required to wear masks while in the clinic.
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols: We have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols in our reception and administration areas, wait rooms, exam rooms and washrooms.

For more information, you are encouraged to REVIEW THE DETAILS OF OUR COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN. Feel free to call our reception to discuss questions you might have.

Telehealth and phone appointments remain readily available.

How do I Access Testing for COVID-19?

If you think you may have been exposed or may have contracted COVID-19, a great first step is to walk through the BC Ministry of Health Self Assessment Tool. This is an easy to use self-navigation tool that will guide you on how to proceed.

As of March 21, 2020 the Revelstoke Health Centre COVID Testing and Assessment Clinic is up and running. Some important details:

This clinic is run by Public Health and the Interior Health Authority
Tests are by appointment only
To book a test you may call 1-877-740-7747 or book online

At this point community physicians including those at the Selkirk Medical Clinic, will not be performing in-office testing.

Please be aware that our physicians are unable to provide accurate data on local case rates. In the event of any positive tests, the role of contact tracing is performed by Public Heath. Our Public Health and Health Authority colleagues are working non-stop to ensure the safety of our community as it pertains to testing and tracking COVID-19.

Our physicians continue to be available to discuss any concerns you may have. We encourage you to book a telehealth appointment with our virtual walk-in doctor or your own family physician.

Where Can I Get More Information about COVID-19?

If you’d like more detailed information on local COVID topics and issues, please have a look at our responses to Community Frequently Asked Questions. Thanks to the Revelstoke Mountaineer for submitting these FAQ’s!