Our Blog
Opening SCHC Doors During Covid-19
May 10, 2022
By Crystal Nwakpadolu
Health Promotion Specialist
Inter professional Primary Care Team
Finally some good news!!!
“Stay Home” became the mantra since the COVID-19 pandemic and life as we knew it changed rapidly. To say things have been crazy would be an understatement. Through it all, you’ve demonstrated immeasurable strength, resilience, and a willingness to do what is necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19. As the saying goes, when life throws you limes, you rearrange the letters and throw back a smile. We are still not completely in the clear but we are getting there.
On April 30, 2020, we at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) sent out a needs assessment survey. The aim was to help us identify some emerging needs in our Scarborough community as a result of the pandemic which will then inform strategies to help mitigate those needs. We called and you answered and for that, we are grateful. The responses were informative. The survey results can be found on our Facebook page.
As you may already know, the provincial government has moved to the second phase( phase 2 stage 2) of the reopening process. Many of our programs and services were able to continue even during the lockdown. With the second phase in effect, we have now opened in-person visits for most of our programs as per public health guidelines. Our doors are open!
Understandably, some of you may have some fears or concerns about accessing healthcare services amidst this pandemic. Some concerns were already expressed in the survey responses. It is okay to be anxious about this, and we completely understand your reservations. We continue to offer a multi-modal service delivery system (both virtual and in-person) to accommodate all your health needs.
However, studies have shown that delay in accessing healthcare could lead to poor health outcomes. According to Cleveland Clinic, virtual care might not be suitable for all cases especially around preventative screenings, comprehensive physical exams, and hands-on care like physiotherapy and chiropody (foot care). Further research is required to help understand the long term health impacts of solely accessing care virtually.
According to Dr. James Benedict, Ph.D., “this pandemic is revealing to us that health is a common good. Your health matters to me and my health matters to you”. We heard your concerns and we are dedicated to keeping you healthy and safe. Therefore here are the measures we are taking to alleviate some of your fears and to keep you safe while accessing services at SCHC.
Infection Protection and Control (IPAC) Measures:
- Daily screening of staff before onsite shifts
- Deep cleaning every day
- Screening of all clients before appointments, session or program
- Cleaning high-touch areas every 2 hours
- Cleaning all equipment and exam/counseling rooms after each client visit
- Staff are wearing masks and face shields
- Hand sanitizing stations and facial tissues available in each program area
- Safety posters and health signages throughout buildings
Physical Distancing Measures:
- Spacing appointments to limit interaction between clients
- Spatial measures using signage and floor decals
- Spacing seating to allow for 2 meters between clients
- Removing unnecessary furniture for additional moving space
Our priority is to provide holistic client-centered care to the complex marginalized residents of our Scarborough community. We are working tirelessly to ensure that you are safe while accessing our services.
To ensure that we are serving you well, please feel free to leave us a quick google review or a comment on our website or other social media platforms to tell us about your appointment/ experience at SCHC.
Together we will get through this!
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”
Christopher Robin