The following information is provided by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance…

Dear parents and guardians,

With the fourth wave of the pandemic upon us and the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, an uptick in pediatric cases is being seen locally and in other jurisdictions across the province. Along with the return to in-person learning at schools, there is potential for continued growth in child and youth cases.

At Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), we are taking a proactive step to ensure children and youth receive timely medical attention while diverting pressure from our existing Emergency Departments. On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, CKHA will open an after-hours Paediatric Assessment COVID-19 Centre (PACC) intended for medical COVID-19 assessments of children 17 years of age and under within our Ambulatory Care unit at our Chatham Site. The clinic will operate 7 days a week and operating hours are as follows:

• Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The goal of the clinic is to handle the expected growth in children and youth requiring medical attention for COVID-19 related symptoms. This clinic is intended for mild symptoms; in the event of child and youth emergencies, please do not hesitate to call 911 or attend the nearest Emergency Department.

The PACC will offer COVID-19 testing and medical assessment by a nurse, nurse practitioner or physician based on potential COVID-19 symptoms. Please note, the PACC will not be offering COVID-19 vaccinations. Appointments must be booked before attending the PACC. Patients and families should visit www.assessmentbooking.ca to book an appointment (please select “Paediatric Assessment COVID-19 Centre” in the booking tool). Appointments can also be made by phone by calling 519.436.2556; the phone booking line will be answered between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please have your child’s health card ready when booking.

Parking is available in Lot A or the Pegley Lot at our Chatham Site for those attending the PACC. Please enter through the Ambulatory Care doors facing Louise Street.

Possible COVID-19 symptoms can include (https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid- 19-stop-spread):

• Fever or chills
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches or body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Poor feeding or poor appetite
• New loss of taste or smell
• Belly pain

 If you have further questions about the PACC, please contact us at communications@ckha.on.ca.

Sincerely, 

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance