Niagara’s two Assessment Centres, located in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, are now accepting self-referrals from members of the public who would like to be tested for the COVID-19 virus.
Those experiencing symptoms, or who believe they may have been exposed to COVID, are encouraged to call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19). Patients calling in will be given an appointment and instructions on how to access the centres.
Assessment Centres will accept walk-ins; however, those arriving for testing without an appointment will need to wait while registration and administrative procedures are completed over the phone. For safety reasons, Assessment Centres have separate entrances from the hospital. Those wishing to be tested for the novel coronavirus are asked not to arrive at the main entrance or through the Emergency Department.
Niagara Health’s Assessment Centres are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
“Alongside meticulous hand hygiene and physical distancing, testing is an important initiative to protect the health and safety of the public,” said Derek McNally, Executive Vice-President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “This new procedure expands access to testing for members of the community concerned about their health condition. In order to ensure minimal wait times and maintain a safe environment, we do encourage anyone wanting a test to call ahead to book an appointment.”
Since opening in March, Niagara Health’s Assessment Centres have seen over 9,400 patients.
The St. Catharines Assessment Centre is located behind the Walker Family Cancer Centre at the rear of the St. Catharines Site at 1200 Fourth Ave. The centre also has a drive-through service. People eligible for this service will be notified when their appointment is booked.
The Niagara Falls Assessment Centre is located in the Allied Health building behind the Greater Niagara General Site located at 5673 North Street in Niagara Falls. There is no access to the Allied Health building from the hospital.
Getting Tested
Registration will be done over the phone by calling 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19).
Walk-ins are accepted at the Assessment Centres; however, those without an appointment will need to wait in their vehicles while registration and administrative procedures are completed.
Calling ahead is the quickest and most efficient way to be tested for COVID-19.
For safety reasons, please do not come to the main entrance of the hospital or the Emergency Department for testing. Each Assessment Centre has its own entrance.
Media Contact:
Steven Gallagher, Communications Specialist
905-696-6767
steven.gallagher@niagarahealth.on.ca
