There are some important changes in effect at the Dauphin Medical Clinic that you should be aware of.
Dr. Fred Fjeldsted wants everyone to know they will have to access the Medical Clinic services a bit differently for the time being.
“The vast majority of appointments on the Dauphin Medical Clinic [this past week] have been virtual appointments by telephone. The goal is to limit the amount of foot traffic, and limit the spread of the coronavirus.”
Dr. Fjeldsted says we'll also have to access the Walk-in Clinic a bit differently during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are not walking through the pharmacy anymore, in order to decrease exposures and spread of COVID-19. We are also asking that people phone ahead. The people that answer the phone will have good information on the best way to access walk-in services that day.”
If you have a non-urgent medical issue, (ie. a bum knee that’s been bothering you for a while), Dr. Fjeldsted suggests now is probably not the best time to address that, while the medical system is dealing with a global pandemic.
The Dauphin Medical Clinic CEO says he has noticed people becoming more aware of the new guidelines.
“The uptake in the public has been improving as the week has gone on. Some people were still showing up in person for their virtual appointments. People are now understanding they should stay home, and we can arrange something over the telephone.”
We know the people with the highest risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 include (1) people over the age of 65, (2) people with underlying health conditions, and (3) those with compromised immune systems. Dr. Fjeldsted explains the number one concern is people with existing lung/respiratory issues.
“Emphysema, COPD, and asthma; those are concerning features [in combination with COVID-19] and we want to avoid these people getting sick. Secondly, we want to ensure people continue to practice good hand washing and social distancing so they don’t bring home the virus home to immunocompromised family members, parents, etc.”
Dr. Fjeldsted says the number one message he wants to pass out is this:
“Wash your hands. It sounds like common sense, and we shouldn't need a global pandemic for people to remember to wash their hands, but it is very important. Beyond that, social distancing is the next most important step. Also, phone the Dauphin Medical Clinic before coming in, even for walk-in. And call Health-Links with any concerns. Some of the wait times have been lengthy, but they are improving those wait times."
Dr. Fred Fjeldsted is a physician and CEO of the Dauphin Medical Clinic, which also runs the walk-in clinic.
All information related to the Dauphin Medical Clinic and Walk-in can be found here.
The latest information from the Manitoba government can be found at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
