Hospital’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre takes on Appointment Scheduling for Local Testing

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is taking on a larger role in the community’s pandemic response.

Beginning August 10th, the Hospital will assume the testing appointments scheduling duties from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) and will be the main contact for booking COVID-19 testing appointments in the community. Local residents who need to schedule a COVID-19 test are asked to dial the following telephone number: (807) 935-8100. Callers will be greeted with an automated message and menu options, which will connect them to staff at the COVID-19 Assessment Centre.

“Testing is an important tool to protect our most vulnerable citizens and helps to contain the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” says Jean Bartkowiak, President and CEO of the Hospital and CEO of the Health Research Institute. “Taking on the appointment scheduling duties streamlines the process. It also supports our TBDHU partner that can focus on helping the community transition safely into the next phase of reopening.”

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre was established by the Hospital in collaboration with the TBDHU to enhance the protection of all patients, staff and community members.

“The TBDHU has been a valuable partner during our pandemic response. Our Hospital is committed to ensuring that residents who call us to schedule a COVID-19 test receive the same exceptional service that they’ve come to expect from the TBDHU,” adds Bartkowiak.

“Testing for COVID-19 is a very important part in our response to this pandemic, allowing for the rapid identification and follow-up of individuals who have COVID-19 as well as to monitor the overall level of virus in our community,” says Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health & Chief Executive Officer at the TBDHU. “We have had a great collaboration with the Hospital to date for testing. The changes we are making currently will optimize how we are working together to ensure effective and efficient testing access to meet community needs.”

While the contact for testing has changed, residents who have questions about COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolation and monitoring, or testing criteria, should still call the TBDHU at (807) 625-5900 or toll free at 1-888-294-6630.