A new after-hours COVID testing clinic is opening up at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, specifically for kids 17 and younger.
The Paediatric Assessment COVID-19 Centre, or PACC, will open its doors tomorrow in the ambulatory care unit at the Chatham hospital, running seven days a week.
Officials say with an expected rise in testing for school-aged children, including those suffering mild symptoms, the clinic will help divert patients from the ER to reduce wait times for everyone.
“With the fourth wave of the pandemic upon us, and the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, an uptick in paediatric cases is being seen locally and in other jurisdictions across the province,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA. “Along with the return to in-person learning at schools, there is potential for continued growth in child and youth cases. This is a proactive step we are taking to ensure this population receives timely medical attention while diverting pressure from our existing Emergency Departments.”
The PACC will provide COVID-19 testing and medical assessment by a nurse, nurse practitioner or physician, but will not offer COVID vaccines.
The clinic will be open by appointment only Monday to Friday, 5pm-9pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am-1pm.
Patients and families should visit www.assessmentbooking.ca or call 519-436-2556 to book an appointment.
