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COVID-19 Assessment Centre

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IF YOU ARE HAVING AN EMERGENCY OR IF YOU ARE HAVING CHEST PAIN OR DIFFICULTY BREATHING PLEASE GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

Hours of operation
**Closed Monday, May 23, 2022**

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am – 6pm
  • Tuesday, Thursday from 8am – 4pm

Criteria for testing

To get tested at Headwaters COVID-19 Assessment Centre you must meet the criteria listed below and book an appointment by phone at 1-833-442-2001 or online. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

On December 30, 2021 the Ministry of Health updated the guidelines for COVID-19 testing and as a result people in the community with symptoms are no longer eligible. Testing is being prioritized for those at increased risk of severe outcomes and those living and working in highest risk settings. The Assessment Centre will ONLY be testing:

  • Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:
    • Hospitalized patients, and patients seeking emergency medical care (at the discretion of the treating clinician)
    • Patient-facing healthcare workers
    • Staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including Long-Term Care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions
  • Symptomatic people who are underhoused or homeless
  • Symptomatic elementary and secondary students and education staff who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school
  • Symptomatic/asymptomatic people who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
Symptoms, signs, and clinical features associated with COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 that require immediate self-isolation and testing for eligible individuals include:
  • Fever (temperature of 37.8°C/100.0°F or greater) and/or chills
  • Cough (that is new or worsening (e.g. continuous, more than usual if chronic cough) including croup (barking cough, making a whistling noise when breathing)
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea, out of breath, unable to breathe deeply, wheeze, that is worse than usual if chronically short of breath)
  • New olfactory or taste disorder (decrease or loss of smell or taste)
Other symptoms of COVID-19 in adults (>18 years old) can include:
  • Fatigue, lethargy, or malaise (general feeling of being unwell, lack of energy, extreme tiredness) that is unusual or unexplained
  • Myalgias (muscle aches and pain) that are unexplained, unusual, or long-lasting
Other symptoms of COVID-19 in children (<18 years old):
  • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea

Booking an appointment
To get tested at Headwaters COVID-19 Assessment Centre please call 1-833-442-2001 or book online here. Appointments are booked for same day and beyond.

We will call Headwaters Health Care Centre surgical patients with an appointment date/time prior to their procedure. 

Getting to the Assessment Centre
The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located at Headwaters Health Care Centre (100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville ON). The COVID-19 Assessment Centre cannot be accessed from inside of the hospital. The entrance is located on the north side of the hospital, near the Emergency Department, see map below.

Parking at the Assessment Centre
Designated COVID-19 Assessment Centre parking is located in the Emergency Department lot.
Parking is free for people coming to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre for testing.

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100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville ON


Important information about the Assessment Centre

  • The COVID-19 Assessment Centre provides screening, assessment and testing.
  • Individuals are asked to arrive 20 minutes prior to their booked appointment time.
  • Upon arrival at the Assessment Centre, individuals who have registered will be asked to call 226-916-5657. A member of our team will call you inside. 
  • If individuals arrive by bus, taxi or are dropped off, they will be asked to call 226-916-5657 on arrival and wait to be called inside by a member of our registration team.
  • Individuals are asked to wear a mask on entering the Assessment Centre. If you arrive without one, you will be provided with a mask on entry.
  • The following information sheets help prepare toddlers, young children and older children for the COVID-19 test. 
  • The test is similar to that of other respiratory illnesses and involves taking a sample from the back of the nasal cavity with a swab.
  • The COVID-19 Assessment Centre will not provide a doctor’s note. Those individuals requiring a doctor’s notes are requested to contact their family doctor.
  • Avoid bringing any individuals with you who do not have to be swabbed or assessed.  This will help us ensure adequate space for social distancing.

Test results

  • Please do not call the Hospital Switchboard. They do not have access to test results.
  • If you have a valid health card, test results can be accessed online within 2 – 4 days using a computer or mobile device.
  • Patients who do not have a family physician and do not have a health card or it is expired or is a red and white version will receive a phone call within 5 days regarding their results.
  • If you do not receive a call within 5 days, please contact our COVID-19 Call Centre at 1-833- 442-2001 and we will have someone get back to you. 
  • Public Health will not call those who test negative.
  • Continue to self-isolate while you’re waiting for test results.

You asked - we answered

  • How do I find out the results of my test?
    • Please do not call the Hospital Switchboard. They do not have access to test results.
    • If you have a valid health card, test results can be accessed online within 2 – 4 days using a computer or mobile device.
    • Patients who do not have a family physician and do not have a health card or it is expired or is a red and white version will receive a phone call within 5 days regarding their results.
    • If you do not receive a call within 5 days, please contact our COVID-19 Call Centre at 1-833- 442-2001 and we will have someone get back to you. 
    • Public Health will not call those who test negative.
    • Continue to self-isolate while you’re waiting for test results.
  • What is the COVID-19 Assessment Centre?
    The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is an appointment based clinic where people are screened and may seen by a team of health care providers for COVID-19 related concerns. This decreases the pressures on the Emergency Department, family doctors and other community clinics.
  • When will the current COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 140 Rolling Hills Drive move to its new location
    We moved to an area inside the hospital, near the Emergency Department entrance. There will be no drive through option and appointments need to be booked in advance either by phone or online.
  • Who should get tested for COVID-19 at an Assessment Centre?
    On December 30, 2021 the Ministry of Health updated the guidelines for COVID-19 testing and as a result people in the community with symptoms are no longer eligible. Testing is being prioritized for those at increased risk of severe outcomes and those living and working in highest risk settings. The Assessment Centre will ONLY be testing:
    • Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:
      • Hospitalized patients, and patients seeking emergency medical care (at the discretion of the treating clinician)
      • Patient-facing healthcare workers
      • Staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including Long-Term Care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions
    • Symptomatic people who are underhoused or homeless
    • Symptomatic elementary and secondary students and education staff who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school
    • Symptomatic/asymptomatic people who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
  • Who should go to the Assessment Centre?
    The most common symptoms of COVID-19 that require immediate self-isolation and testing for eligible individuals include:
    • Fever (temperature of 37.8°C/100.0°F or greater) and/or chills
    • Cough (that is new or worsening (e.g. continuous, more than usual if chronic cough) including croup (barking cough, making a whistling noise when breathing)
    • Shortness of breath (dyspnea, out of breath, unable to breathe deeply, wheeze, that is worse than usual if chronically short of breath)
    • New olfactory or taste disorder (decrease or loss of smell or taste)
    Other symptoms of COVID-19 in adults (>18 years old) can include:
    • Fatigue, lethargy, or malaise (general feeling of being unwell, lack of energy, extreme tiredness) that is unusual or unexplained
    • Myalgias (muscle aches and pain) that are unexplained, unusual, or long-lasting
    Other symptoms of COVID-19 in children (<18 years old):
    • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • How do I book an appointment?
    We offer two options for booking your COVID-19 test:
     
    1. Online – you can book an appointment online by clicking here and following the instructions. If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 test, you will be asked to register for an account by providing your name, date of birth, as well as your phone number and email address. Please note, a valid email address is required for online booking. If you do not have one, you are welcome to book via phone.
     
    Please check your junk/spam folder to ensure you receive the verification email after your account is created. Click on the link in that email to return to the booking site and select the time that is most convenient for you. 
     
    2. Phone – you can book an appointment by phone by calling 1-833-442-2001. The phone line will be staffed Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 6pm and Tuesday, Thursday from 8am - 4pm. If your call is not answered immediately, you are welcome to wait on hold for the first available attendant. Alternatively, you have the option of booking your appointment online. 
     
    When you book your appointment by phone or online, you can choose to receive a text message and/or email confirming the date, time and location for your COVID-19 test.  You are still able to schedule and arrive for your appointment if you do not have email or a mobile phone. Please note that Oncology and Surgical patients are not being asked to self-book for a COVID19 test at this time. Your bookings for a test will continue to be coordinated by your specialist.   

    We will call Headwaters Health Care Centre surgical patients with an appointment date/time prior to their procedure.
  • Can I book an appointment for other members of my family at the same time?
    People wishing to book a COVID-19 test for more than one member of the family will be able to do so by phone or online, as long as all individuals are eligible to receive a COVID-19 test as per the Ontario Government’s testing criteria. Upon scheduling the appointment for each eligible family member, each individual will be able to attend together at the provided appointment time, as indicated in their booking.
  • Can I choose an appointment that suits me, or will I be given the next available spot?
    You may request a specific appointment time, but due to the high volume of appointments, specific times may be unavailable. In that case, you will be offered the next available spot.

    We will call Headwaters Health Care Centre surgical patients with an appointment date/time prior to their procedure.
  • How far in advance can I book an appointment?
    Whether you book online or by telephone, you will be able to book 2 days ahead.  For example, you can book on Monday for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  We cannot book for tests further than 2 days ahead.
  • What are the hours of operation for the call centre taking bookings?
    Typically, we will accept bookings Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 6pm and Tuesday, Thursday from 8am -4pm.
  • Will you test individuals with no symptoms or symptoms only?
    On December 30, 2021 the Ministry of Health updated the guidelines for COVID-19 testing and as a result people in the community with symptoms are no longer eligible. Testing is being prioritized for those at increased risk of severe outcomes and those living and working in highest risk settings. The Assessment Centre will ONLY be testing:
    • Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:
      • Hospitalized patients, and patients seeking emergency medical care (at the discretion of the treating clinician)
      • Patient-facing healthcare workers
      • Staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including Long-Term Care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions
    • Symptomatic people who are underhoused or homeless
    • Symptomatic elementary and secondary students and education staff who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school
    • Symptomatic/asymptomatic people who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
  • Will patients be assessed and swabbed?
    Individuals will be assessed and swabbed. If anyone requires more medical support, they may be directed to our Emergency Department.
  • What happens if I do not drive or use the bus or a taxi? Is there a place for me to wait inside?
    People will be able to come inside if they do not drive and park. People can also wait outside (weather permitting). We ask that people call our team at 226-916-5657 to let our team know they have arrived.  We ask that people kindly arrive about 20 minutes prior to their booked appointment time so we can ensure proper physical distancing.
  • Your bookings are already filled up and I can’t wait three days to make an appointment.
    If this is an emergency and require urgent care, please visit the Headwaters Health Care Centre Emergency Department or call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms or if a child under the age of 1 requires testing, we are here to help.  
     
    For more information about COVID-19 testing criteria please visit www.covid-19.ontario.ca; here, you will find a list of all Assessment Centre’s and pharmacies conducting COVID-19 testing in our community. 
     
  • What are the hours of operation of the new interior COVID-19 Assessment Centre?
    Typically, we are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 6pm and Tuesday, Thursday from 8am - 4pm. 
  • Where do I park?
    COVID-19 Assessment Centre parking in our Emergency Department parking lot. People will need to receive a ticket, pass through the parking gate, and park in one of the designated parking spots. These will be clearly identified. People are asked to call 226-916-5657 when they arrive. Your parking will be paid. Please bring your ticket with you when you come to your appointment so it can be validated. 
  • I do not have a cell phone, how do you let me know when it’s my turn to come inside?
    Please approach the door and a staff member will be there to assist you. You can come inside when you arrive if you do not have a cell phone. 
  • If I do not show up for my scheduled appointment, will I be charged?

    You will not be charged for a missed appointment. We ask that if you know you will not be able to make your appointment, that you will call 1-833-442-2001 and cancel or reschedule, so we can offer that time to others.

  • Do I need to wear a mask when I come to the Assessment Centre?
    Individuals must follow all public health measures when going for a test, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and frequent handwashing. If you arrive and do not have a mask or face covering, we will provide you with a mask. If you can not wear a mask for health reasons, we can provide you with a face visor.
  • How many people can the COVID-19 Assessment Centre see at once?
    We have physically distanced space to see 15 people at any given time. We expect screening to take about 15 minutes per person. If someone is in medical distress, we can transfer someone to the Emergency Department. 
  • What happens if I am really unwell and need to see a physician?

    The COVID-19 Assessment Centre is next to our Emergency Department. If needed, we can transfer patients to the Emergency Department very quickly.

  • Is the area fully accessible?
     Yes, the new location is fully accessible both inside and outside the location.
     
  • Will you assess children 1 and under?
    Children 1 and under will be assessed at the Emergency Department, next door to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre. No appointment is required. They will need to be accompanied by an adult at the time of assessment.
  • In the spring will you move to a Drive Through Model again?
    We are always assessing the needs in our community. We can’t comment now on future longer-term plans at this point. We will know more later this winter and in early spring. 
  • Can someone come with me for testing?

    We will be able to accommodate people who need assistance. Please advise the booking clerk when booking an appointment. We will be following our pandemic visitor policy during this time.

  • How will staff parking be accommodated with the loss of parking near the Emergency Department?
    We are creating additional staff only parking for at least 30 vehicles on the grass field near 140 Rolling Hills Drive. The space will be prepared as soon as we move to the new COVID-19 Assessment Centre location. This lot is ideal for staff who work Monday through Friday during the daytime. Staff who park there will receive a numbered dashboard sign and will also pay the same staff rate. This lot will be maintained by the Hospital’s property management contractors and it will be monitored for safety and compliance.
  • Can people be transferred from a vehicle to a wheelchair near the entrance to the Assessment Centre?
    We will have wheelchairs available and can assist if that is required. Please call 226-916-5657 when you arrive and park temporarily near the COVID-19 Assessment Entrance while we assist you.
     
  • What if I need to cancel my appointment?
    If you booked your appointment and you need to cancel it, you will need to cancel your appointment by phone at 1-833-442-2001.
  • What happens if I am late for my appointment?
    We will do our best to accommodate you if you are late for your appointment, though wait times may vary based on volumes.  We may not be able to accommodate you.
  • How early do I need to arrive for my appointment?
    We recommend you target to arrive about 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. 
  • What do I need to bring with me for my appointment?
    Wear a mask or face covering, and if you have a valid Ontario Health Card, please bring it with you. Please note, that if you do not have a valid Ontario Health Card, you can still receive a COVID-19 test.
  • How soon can someone get an appointment for a COVID-19 test?
    Most times, we are able to get someone tested the same day that they are seeking an appointment. If the maximum number of appointments that can be booked is reached, please try again the following day to book an appointment.
     
  • Do I need a valid Ontario Health Card to book an appointment for a COVID-19 test?
    No. Currently, the province will also cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage.