Our COVID-19 Protocols

Face Masks: Mask use is now optional in our clinic, except for those who are symptomatic or if you are seeing an MD who requests it.  Masks are optional for staff, doctors, and nurses but many continue to wear a mask to protect you against viral spread. You are welcome to wear your own reusable mask during your appointment.

Phone Appointments: Some health concerns can be addressed with a doctor over the phone. When possible and to limit exposure, phone appointments may be recommended by our staff. Phone appointments may also be used as a pre-screening tool for symptomatic patients.   

Partners and Support People: We are welcoming partners and support people to clinic appointments again regardless of vaccination status.

AHS COVID-19 Navigation Tool & Self-Care Guide

Get a read on your symptoms using the Navigation Tool.

Use this self-care guide to help answer all your COVID-19 questions including those related to symptoms, isolation requirements, assessment & testing and how to care for yourself or someone else.

Bow Valley COVID-19 Support & Resource Guide

A comprehensive list of local supports and resources provided by the Primary Care Network. This resource page includes mental health, financial and food supports available within our local Bow Valley community.

AHS Self-Assessment Tool

Use this self-assessment tool to help determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

For Provincial COVID-19 information or to book your vaccination, please visit the AHS website.

Patient Consent

Please read the following information regarding patient consent for “Virtual Appointments.”
COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada's public health system. Our health service is starting to offer virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

• Understand that video, emails, calls, or texts you may receive are not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.

• Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer's or third party's computer/device), secure accounts and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

• If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, other arrangements can be made. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.

By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used (identify all that apply): email, videoconferencing (including Skype, Facetime, etc.), text messaging (including instant messaging), website/portal, other (specify).

The Mental Health Foundation, in partnership with Calgary Health Trust, the University Hospital Foundation, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, is supporting a new Alberta Health Services program Text4Hope – a free service providing three months of daily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – based text messages written by mental health therapists.

Through a set of daily messages, people receive advice and encouragement helpful in developing healthy personal coping skills and resiliency. Community members simply subscribe to receive ongoing supportive content. There is no cost.

How to Connect
Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 to subscribe.

The program provides one-way communication and does not replace other mental health therapies and supports. It is a helpful option for people in self-isolation who can’t access face-to-face services, as well as those in remote locations.

All mental health support lines remain open. For details on what is available in your health region, visit this AHS resource.

#Stayhome

…But stay sane

Created by Dr. Shahbaz Syed, The Ottawa Hospital