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20-07-29 Covid-19 Clinic Update
Attention Clients:
Based on guidance from Public Health and the Ministry of Health for reducing the risks from COVID-19, Community Midwives of Kingston has implemented several changes to protect clients, midwives and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we endeavour to provide the safest possible care for you and your baby.
**Please see videos below from WHO (World Health Organization) about the proper way to wear Medical Masks and Cloth Masks**
Medical Masks:
Cloth Masks:
APPOINTMENTS
· Clinic appointments will continue during this pandemic, but the frequency may change. Telephone/virtual visits will also be used when appropriate. Your midwife will discuss your individualized schedule of visits with you.
· You may bring 1 support to your visit. They must screen negative for COVID-19, wear a face covering as well as sign the visitors log book. Please try not to bring any children to the clinic.
· You will be screened at EVERY visit for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. We appreciate your patience with these questions.
· Please wait in your car to be called into your appointment. If you are not arriving by car, or cannot wait in your car, we will place you in a clinic room to wait.
· NOTE: Midwives phone numbers often display as "NO CALLER ID". Please pick up.
· Please wear a cloth face mask/ medical mask to your appointments. See the attached document for how to wear a cloth mask safely.
· If you are scheduled to do your OGCT (Gestational Diabetes testing) please ARRIVE 45 MINUTES prior to your scheduled appointment . We will have you come in to grab the drink, drink it in your car and then your midwife will call you when they are ready.
Please do not come to clinic if
· You are sick at all or someone you live with is sick
· You have traveled outside of Canada in the last 14 days or had close contact with someone who has
· You have had close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19
Call us if you meet these criteria, so we can discuss your care. If you need a visit during this time, we can make a plan to see you with the use of additional precautions.
What if I suspect I have COVID-19 or been exposed to COVID-19?
1) If your symptoms are mild or you are asymptomatic, please use the Ministry of Health's Online Assessment Tool: https://covid-19.
ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0 . You will find the most up-to-date list of symptoms, and they will direct you with respect to testing. In Kingston, testing is performed at Beechgrove Complex (51 Heakes Lane) and is by appointment only.
Please call the clinic non-urgent line to tell us if you are awaiting results or test positive.
2) If your symptoms are severe (difficulty breathing, worsening cough, fever not controlled with Tylenol) or you have other urgent concerns (eg. reduced fetal movement) please page your midwife.
Kingston Health Sciences Centre Visitor Policy
The hospital has initiated strict visitor limitations. This has happened with past outbreaks, such as SARS. You can have one person with you during your labour, birth and postpartum. This person must be healthy and must not have recently traveled. You cannot swap out this person once you are at the hospital. We encourage you to identify a second support person in case your initial support person becomes ill.OTHER WAYS TO STAY SAFE
Please practice social distancing and try to stay home as much as possible, avoid people who are sick and people who have traveled outside of Canada in the past 14 days. Plan now for virtual ways to introduce your baby to family and friends.
We have a strict policy for self-isolation if midwives are sick. In this event, you would see a different midwife for prenatal, birth or postpartum care so that we can keep you safe and well.
We know this is a stressful time and we encourage you to practice SELF CARE:
Breathe. There are many free meditation resources on spotify and youtube.
Move your body. Go for walks outside. Access free prenatal yoga videos on youtube.
Connect with the people you love through emails, social media and phone calls.
Water: Drink a lot of it. Take a bath. Wash your hands frequently.
Disconnect from media, social media and this story every once in a while. Read a book. Cook a meal. Fold your baby’s clothes. Make a list of other things you can do at home to nurture yourself at this time.For mental health support:
· Many therapists are able to do online sessions if you have access to that resource.
Please let us know if you are having trouble accessing food during this period.
Please page us if you are not safe at home during this time of social distancing.
Trusted sources for COVID-19 information:
The Mother’s Program https://www.
themothersprogram.ca/
KFLA Public Health https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/novel- coronavirus.aspx
