Primary Care Update on COVID-19 June 9, 2020

Order your PPE start-up kit at no charge ! Ontario Health West is implementing an easy-to-use process to provide an initial allocation of PPE at no charge. Fill in one order form per clinic address to obtain your PPE allocation. Read more here.

Guide for Re-Opening Primary Care and Community Specialist Offices This resource is intended to support YOUR decisions about re-opening your practice, based on your own local circumstances. www.swcovidtools.ca consolidates information from MOH, Public Health, provider associations, infection control professionals, etc., into one online resource. Find out about: Patient communication and active screening How do decide between in person and virtual visits Scheduling providers appropriately Infection prevention and control , including updated PPE requirements for health care workers Business continuity Office signage And much more.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Infection prevention and control knowledge is critical in order to protect patients and staff, and to help decrease the risk of transmission of infection in health care. We encourage you and your staff to access these resources: Online learning available through Public Health Ontario -- find out how at www.swcovidtools.ca Your regional PHO Infection Control and Prevention team: Find out about the services they provide and post their contact info as an easy reminder.

New/Updated Provincial Guidelines for COVID-19 COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Re-start – from MOH May 26, 2020 MOH primary care guidance document Case definition and list of symptoms Provincial Testing Guidance - June 2, 2020 Quick Reference Public Health Guide on Testing and Clearance - May 28, 2020 Labour, Delivery and Newborn Care ON now recommending face coverings for those who aren't able to physically distance

Clinical Information and Tools New! 24/7 Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence nurse-staffed telephone navigation line to assist service providers and victims/survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence during COVID-19. Free virtual academic detailing on COVID-19 from Centre for Effective Practice. It's not all about COVID - pharmacotherapy update on non-COVID issues from Thames Valley FHT pharmacists Assistance for socially isolated older adults in SW Ontario during the pandemic: Created by Western students, the Student-Senior Isolation Prevention Partnership (SSIPP) pairs socially isolated older adults with a health professional student volunteer who will check-in via weekly phone calls in order to provide social connection. To find out more: see the SSIPP flyer or information sheet; email ssipp.uwo@gmail.com. 

Self-Care for Providers Big White Wall - Big White Wall is an anonymous community where members can support one another, and where you can find many resources and creative tools to express how you’re feeling.  Free online iCBT for health care providers Free mental health & addiction resource for all Canadians

For Patients New! One stop shop for caregivers: caregivers are under an increased strain at this time. This one-stop shop of printable resources addresses specific caregiver concerns and links to local resources and other important websites. How to properly wear a face covering: patient guidelines from the Provincial Government and Public Health Ontario Preparing for a home visit (infection control info for patients) Free mental health & addiction resource for all Canadians

If there are non-hospital COVID-19 related issues/solutions in your region, please escalate them to your Regional Pandemic Clinical Lead (tasked by Ontario Health West to facilitate, coordinate, and engage with stakeholders for the pandemic response within the SW LHIN area RE: primary care/vulnerable populations)...structure HERE .

Dr. Keith Dyke Grey-Bruce y2kmd@hotmail.com