Adapting our Medical Practice to the COVID-19 Reality

A Phased Reopening

The past few months have been challenging as we confront the new COVID-19 reality. Our community along with the rest of British Columbia has worked hard to ‘flatten the curve’ and we’ve had some early success. As per the Provincial Health Officer, British Columbia is in the fortunate position of being able to start a phased re-opening.

Consistent with this, the Selkirk Medical Clinic will gradually increase the number of in-person visits to our office over the coming months. We have implemented a number of new measures to ensure the ongoing safety of our patients and staff going forward.

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 will often 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 all of our staff and doctors whenever 6 feet of social separation can’t be maintained. Patients are encouraged to wear their own masks to their appointments.
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:

Revelstoke patients who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19 are advised to call 1-250-814-2230. This phone will be answered by Revelstoke and Salmon Arm Public Health.
Phones are open 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday, and 9:00-2:00 on weekends
This clinic is run by Public Health and the Interior Health Authority
They will continue to follow the rapidly evolving testing guidelines set-out by the BC Centre for Disease Control.
COVID-19 tests collected locally are sent to provincial reference labs for processing.

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.

A Phased Reopening

How do I Access Testing for COVID-19?

Where Can I Get More Information about COVID-19?