COVID 19 - Pre-screening and next steps

We continue to actively screen everyone who enters our hospital sites.  This helps us quickly identify patients and staff who are at risk of having a COVID-19 infection.  Screening is especially important now given the high number of people with COVID-19 in our region.

If you are experiencing any new symptoms like cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills, changes in your sense of taste or smell, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, difficulty swallowing, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or pain in your abdomen, even if you think they are related to your illness or treatment, call your cancer care team to let them know before your appointment.

With current levels of COVID-19 in our region, it is extremely important to answer all of the screening questions as accurately as possible.  Before proceeding with your treatment, it’s essential to know whether you might have COVID-19 so we can properly inform you of any additional risks that might come from delivering your treatment if you’re infected.

This also ensures we deliver your care in a way that keeps other patients and staff safe.

If you screen positive by answering “yes” to any of the screening questions:

  • You may be sent to our Initial Assessment Clinic to be tested for COVID-19.
  • Your care team will be contacted to assess your screening results and make a decision about the next steps, including the need for a COVID-19 test.
  • Your appointment or treatment may be delayed up to 24 hours until your results are available, and only if it is safe to do so. Urgent treatments will not be delayed. Patients who screen positive and are in urgent need of treatment will be seen with extended safety measures.

We know that it may be frustrating to have your appointment delayed, however, it is absolutely essential for us to take these measures to protect you, our vulnerable patients and essential staff. Answering the screening questions accurately allows us to inform you of the best and safest care options. We appreciate your patience and understanding.