As we continue to see the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increase, the Montreal Chest Institute Foundation (MCIF) would like to encourage everyone to exercise proper hygiene and the safety protocols put into place by federal and public health officials. As such, the Montreal Chest Institute (MCI) is ramping up in preparation for sick COVID patients, and would like to share some of the following preventative measures it has taken to help combat the introduction and spread of the virus:
- Clinics: For the safety of our patients, many of whom have serious chronic respiratory conditions, we are shifting in-person appointments to telephone visits wherever possible, and postponing routine visits. However, we continue to see patients who require urgent attention, e.g. those requiring investigation for suspected lung cancer, or those with unstable respiratory disease, as rapidly as previously. We continue to offer a “drop-in” service for those of our patients who are ill. We are very conscious about balancing risks of exposure versus ensuring that patients who truly need to be seen are seen promptly. Patients are screened for potential COVID symptoms upon entry to the hospital and again at our clinics.
- Inpatients: The MUHC is adding bed capacity to care for patients who require hospital admission for COVID-related respiratory disease, at both the Glen and Montreal General sites. This includes patients who require ICU care, and those who require non-ICU hospitalization (ward care). At the Glen site, the COVID ward unit will be run by MCI respirologists.
Please do NOT come to the MCI or to the MUHC hospitals to seek COVID testing, or information about it. Instead, please call 1-877-644-4545 for instructions as to the most appropriate testing site for you and your family, if appropriate.
