Prairie Mountain Health are providing more details about their respiratory clinics operating in Dauphin, Brandon, Swan River, Neepawa, and Russell.
The respiratory clinics are meant for those who have cold symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat) that need to see a doctor but do not need to go to the emergency room.
Physician and Chief Medical Officer of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, Dr. Trina Mathison, says the respiratory clinics are a dedicated space where healthcare staff in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can assess patients in person. At this time, people with respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat) can not be seen in the regular clinic.
Dr. Mathison says the respiratory clinics are helping to avoid overburdening emergency rooms, and allow staff in PPE to provide in-person treatment instead of over the phone. The respiratory clinics are typically staffed with a physician, respiratory technologist, a nurse and clerical staff.
She says it’s totally fine for people who are COVID-positive to be assessed there, as staff are taking all the necessary precautions like wiping down between appointments.
Dr. Mathison says the Dauphin respiratory clinic is open by appointment only (204-622-4194), Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Anyone who wants to be assessed at the Dauphin respiratory clinic must wear a mask, bring a Manitoba health card, and enter the Dauphin Hospital through the main entrance, not the emergency room entrance.
Click here to see the hours and locations of all other respiratory clinics in Prairie Mountain Health.
PMH first started operating respiratory clinics in November, and will likely have them running until at least June.
Anyone who thinks they may have COVID, but have no pressing medical concerns, should visit their local COVID-19 testing site for testing.
