Kootenay Boundary Practitioners concerned patients avoiding making appointments during COVID-19 crisis
By Contributor
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians and nurse practitioners in Kootenay Boundary clinics are concerned patients are not booking appointments when they may need help.
Many clinics have seen a drop in the number of appointments and are worried that patients who have health care concerns may be unsure if they can still see their practitoner in the midst of the COVID-19 situation.
“It’s important for patients to know that clinics are set up to provide telephone or video conference appointments, and when necessary are still doing in-person appointments,” said Dr. Stephanie Cameron, a Family Physician in Trail BC.
Dr. Cameron emphasizes the importance of “Continuity of care” which ensures patients are getting the quality care they need, over time, by the health care team that knows them best.
“Some patients may think clinics are closed, or some may be concerned about coming into the clinic for fear of catching the COVID-19 virus,” added Dr. Cameron. “We want patients to know that clinics are set up to do virtual appointments and if patients need to be seen in person, we’re putting all the necessary precautions in place based on the Provicial Health Officer’s guidelines.”
“We want to reassure patients that we are still here for them.”
A list of clinics in Kootenay Boundary, – Nelson, Trail, Castlegar, Nakusp, Kaslo, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Midway, Crawford Bay, Christina Lake, New Denver, Rossland, Fruitvale and Greenwood – including walk-in clinic options for patients who don’t currently have a practitioner, can be found on the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice website at bit.ly/clinicskb
