QCH and the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

QCH is actively involved in caring for patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

 Please note: non-urgent surgeries, procedures and programming are suspended as of March 17, 2020.

 

On May 14, Ontario government announced that hospitals can begin offering scheduled surgeries, procedures and other non-urgent clinical services when they meet the province’s criteria to do so safely. This is good news.


Across the hospital, work is underway to meet the province’s requirements to gradually and carefully resume some of our services. 


In addition, Queensway Carleton Hospital is also working closely with our partners to create a regional framework that will allow for the resumption of these services. The timing depends on a series of provincial requirements which include, for example: 

  • Sufficient supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) stock on hand
  • Regional availability of acute and critical care beds
  • Sufficient staff available

The framework must be approved by the region and province before we begin to re-schedule any non-urgent procedures or services.

 

We will call you when booking resumes.


If the condition of anyone waiting for these procedures and surgeries has changed over this time, we encourage them to contact their family care provider for assessment. 


If anyone is in need of urgent care, we encourage them to come to our Emergency Department. 


We understand that the past two months have been stressful. QCH will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure you receive the quality of care you’ve come to expect from our hospital.


For the latest information on the virus, please visit Ottawa Public Health: Novel Coronavirus


What are we doing?

QCH staff are actively screening patients at the Emergency Department, and our entrances. Recent travel history and symptoms help us quickly identify individuals who may have the virus. Anyone who screens positive or is identified as being at risk of having COVID-19 will be placed on additional precautions and rapid viral testing may be done. Our Infection Prevention and Control team is in close contact with Ottawa Public Health and other agencies to help guide decision-making and receive updates on the virus.

 

What if you think you may have COVID-19?

If you suspect you have the virus, or have been in close contact with someone who does, Ottawa Public Health has created this self assessment tool that will help you figure out your next steps.

 

Symptoms to watch for:

  • COVID-19 has common symptoms such as feeling feverish, cough, or difficulty breathing.
  • COVID-19 also has less common symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, delirium (a serious medical condition that involves confusion, changes to memory, and odd behaviours), falls, acute functional decline, worsening of chronic conditions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, headaches, croup, or loss of taste/smell.
  • COVID-19 may also present as new or worsening respiratory symptoms such as: sore throat, cough, congested/runny nose, sneezing, hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing 

Please self-isolate for 14 days if:

  • You have returned from travel outside Canada
  • You have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are waiting for test results
  • You have symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild
  • You have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
  • You are immunocompromised or have an underlying condition or are over the age of 70

 

Please consult the Ottawa Public Health website for the most recent information on COVID-19, including a full list of symptoms and testing information.

 

Patients coming to QCH

If you have a clinic appointment, test or other procedure scheduled, and have these symptoms, please call your clinic to see if you should still come to the hospital. It is important that you let your care team know about any recent travel, including travel of those close to you.


As of March 17, 2020, non-urgent surgeries, procedures, and outpatient programs and clinics have been postponed. These postponements will be selected on a set of clear criteria to carefully consider the health-care needs of our patients while maintaining their safety. Hospital staff are in the process of notifying patients, so that they have all the information they need regarding their care.


Reducing activity in operating rooms and other areas of the hospital allows the hospitals to be ready to take on potential COVID-19 cases, as the situation continues to evolve. Hospitals in the Ottawa area are also stepping up their infection prevention and control to help reduce the possible spread of COVID-19.


For our new mothers coming to QCH, please read this message - and know we are keeping you safe.


Visiting QCH

In order to protect everyone's health, visitors will no longer be permitted at QCH. More information can be found on our Visitor Restrictions page.

 

West COVID-19 Care Clinic

The COVID-19 Care Clinic in Ottawa’s West end – operated by QCH, in partnership with Ottawa Public Health and community physicians – opened Monday, April 6th.


The Care Clinic is located at 595 Moodie Drive at the D. Aubrey Moodie Intermediate School and is open monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

It is primarily for treatment for people with symptoms of respiratory illness – cough, fever and cold-like symptoms – in need of medical attention. It will be equipped to do basic diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays and lab tests.


Should I go to the Care Clinic?

Use the self assessment tool to help determine if you should seek care from the COVID-19 Care Clinic. If it is determined you should seek care, or you think your respiratory symptoms are worsening, you do not need a referral or to contact Ottawa Public Health before going to the Care Clinic.


What about the QCH Emergency Department?

If you or a loved one is in a life threatening situation, dial 911 or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department. If you are unsure whether it is an emergency, you may call Telehealth Ontario, a free telephone service from the Ontario Government at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with one of their nurses or you should visit your closest Emergency Department. The QCH Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

Fore more information on the West Care Clinic, please visit Ottawa Public Health.