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Letter: We go to work for you, stay home for us

By Dr. Rebecca Janssen, Chief of Staff, St. John Hospital, Vanderhoof
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By Dr. Rebecca Janssen, Chief of Staff, St. John Hospital, Vanderhoof

Dear residents of the Omineca Region,

In the past several months we have all seen the illness known as COVID-19 evolve into a global pandemic. Canadians across the country have been implored by our public health experts to take significant measures to reduce the spread of this infection.

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News reports from around the world show how severely impacted many countries have been by this viral illness. Under these circumstances, it is natural to feel anxious about what the future holds for our community served by St. John Hospital and the Omineca Medical Clinic.

I want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the physicians, nurses and staff of St John Hospital have been working diligently to prepare for the inevitable arrival of COVID 19 cases in our community. We are working closely with our local medical staff, Northern Health leadership and community partners to protect the vulnerable in our community, slow the spread of the virus and provide medical care to those in need.

Significant changes have been implemented to both the facilities and processes at St. John Hospital, Stuart Nechako Manor and Omineca Medical Clinic. This might mean that things will look a bit different at our facilities should you present for care.

I would strongly encourage anyone requiring medical attention to phone the Omineca Medical Clinic during business hours (8am to 5pm) Monday to Friday at 250-567-2201 or visit our website at ominecamedicalclinic.com. Physicians are mostly choosing to do telephone/telehealth appointments to reduce the spread of COVID 19 in our community. Should you require emergency medical care, St. John Hospital ER is open. A nurse will provide screening for COVID 19 to determine where in the ER is most suitable for you to receive care. Should you have questions or concerns about whether you have contracted COVID 19, Northern Health has a Clinic and Information Line at 1-844-645-7811. A nurse can help you determine the best course of action in your specific situation.

This is a rapidly evolving situation in our community, province, country and indeed our world. As such, our preparations are also evolving and changing. However, we feel confident that as a medical team we are taking as many steps as we can to be ready to meet the medical needs of our community. Please help us in these efforts by observing the recommendations of our Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

We go to work for you.

Stay home for us.

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