Services

Clinic Guidelines for COVID-19

The following guidelines are in place to minimize the risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission to patients, naturopathic doctors (NDs) and staff.

To Reduce Exposure to NDs and Staff

• Commonly used surfaces (counter tops, doors, handles, bathrooms, supplement cabinets etc.) are cleaned throughout the day. The point of sales terminal and other items that patients use will be cleaned after each patient visit.
• All rooms have hand sanitizers and/or Accel wipes for NDs to disinfect surfaces between visits.
• The clinic has the required Protective Personal Equipment (PPEs) (masks and gloves) for clinic use.
• All patients need to be screened when they are called or emailed to confirm their appointments.
• We have put up signs in our bathrooms to remind people of proper hand-washing technique.

Scheduling Appointments

When calling to book an appointment, you will be asked the following screening questions:

In the past 14 days have you:

• Developed any symptoms of acute illness such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath?
• Been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID–19?

If the answer is "no", you may schedule an appointment.

If the answer is "yes", to any of the questions then a telemedicine visit with an ND is required to conduct a secondary screening.

You will also be emailed a more detailed questionnaire which can be found at the bottom of this document.

If it is deemed that COVID is likely, you will be advised to call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

• Patients have the option of having a telemedicine call with their ND. Please note, that there are specific situations when an ND will need to see a patient in-person. For example, if any aspect of a physical exam is necessary (i.e., to address symptoms associated with abdominal discomfort, to take blood pressure, etc.) or to assess muscle and joint related concerns. Patients will only be seen in person for essential visits.
• Patients now have the option to pay by e-transfer. If you choose this option please send the e-transfer to wellnessinstitute@sympatico.ca along with a separate email with the password.
• Patients are encouraged to limit the number of people that accompany them to any in-clinic visits.
• Elderly or vulnerable patients will be scheduled at a time that limits their potential exposure to other patients.
• We will be increasing the time frame between patient visits to allow time to sanitize treatment rooms and to clean all equipment used between patients and to limit patient exposure to other patients.

To Reduce Exposure To Patients:

• We have a sign posted outside the clinic listing the symptoms of COVID–19 and advising patients to return home and call the clinic if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed.
• We advise patients and delivery personnel to wait until the door is opened for them.
• We advise patients to respect social distancing in the reception area.

• Patient visits will be spread out to limit the number of people in the reception area at any given time.
• All patients are expected to wash their hands when they enter the clinic.
• All patients will have their temperature taken.
• NDs will be using/wearing PPE (masks during direct patient care and gloves when necessary).
• Patients are encouraged to pay over the phone for all pick-up orders.
• These guidelines will be re-evaluated and updated as needed based on updates from the College of Naturopaths Ontario and the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Covid-19 Patient Screening Questions

1. Did you have close contact with anyone with acute respiratory illness or have you travelled outside Ontario in the past 14 days?

2. Do you have any of the following symptoms which are new or worsened, if associated with previously diagnosed allergies, chronic or pre-existing conditions, within the last 14 days?

• a. fever
• b. new onset or worsening chronic cough
• c. sore throat
• d. shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• e. difficulty swallowing
• f. pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• g. myalgia or fatigue
• h. new olfactory or taste disorder(s)
• i. nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain

3. Have you had a confirmed exposure to someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days?

4. Have you had close contact with a person who has symptoms who has been to an impacted area but who has not been tested, has tested inconclusive or tested negative?

5. If you are 70 years of age or older, are you experiencing any of the following symptoms: delirium, unexplained or increased number of falls, acute functional decline, or worsening of chronic conditions?

If you answer yes to any of these questions and have not been tested for COVID-19, you cannot be seen in-person at our clinic and should call your local public health unit and/or telehealth (1-866-797-0000) for an assessment.

All patients are required to wear face covering and perform hand hygiene.