After more than three years of providing testing services, Health Sciences North’s COVID-19 assessment centre is closing its doors Oct. 23.
"With many of the clinical services at the COVID-19 assessment centre being offered in community, we’re looking to ensure our resources are focussed on supporting clinical and acute care needs at the hospital especially with a busy cold, flu and COVID-19 season expected," hospital spokesperson Jason Turnbull told Sudbury.com in an email.
Originally located on Regent Street, the assessment centre was relocated to the offices of the Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) at 56 Walford Rd. back in the summer.
The previous venue on Regent Street was a larger building that allowed for drive-through convenience where patients could be tested from inside their vehicles. It opened in November of 2020.
HSN personnel carried out PCR testing (polymerase chain reaction) as it was regarded as the gold standard test for determining whether a person had become infected with the COVID-19 virus.
The last day for specimen collection at the assessment centre is Oct. 23, and the centre will officially close on Oct. 27.
Free rapid antigen testing kits are available from Public Health Sudbury & Districts for those at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, including those who could be eligible for treatment.
For more information on how to determine if you are at higher risk for COVID-19, click here.
The hospital also advised that the assessment centre will no longer be providing outpatient treatments, such as monoclonal antibody infusion, for COVID-19 as of Oct. 27. Infusion treatment is available through Home and Community Care Services.
If you would like to be assessed for antiviral treatment for COVID-19, HSN advises that you contact your primary care provider or your local pharmacy.
