Updated on July 31
Niagara’s three Assessment Centres, located in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and Welland, 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 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. In order to ensure timely registration and testing of patients, walk-ins will take place until 4 p.m. on the days of operation. 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 St. Catharines and Niagara Falls Assessment Centres are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Sunday and the Welland Assessment Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All centres accept walk-ins until 4 p.m. on the days of operation.
“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 32,000 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.
The Welland Assessment Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is located in the auditorium of the Welland Site at 65 Third Street. The dedicated parking spots can be accessed from MacLean Place and Plymouth Road.
On August 5, Niagara Health will open a temporary Assessment Centre to test workers in the region’s hospitality and tourism sector. Local employers will arrange to have staff tested by working with Niagara Falls Tourism. For more information, click here.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Registration will be done over the phone by calling 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19).
Walk-ins are accepted at the Assessment Centres until 4 p.m. on the days of operation; 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.
Download the COVID-19 Assessment Centres and Testing Toolkit.
St. Catharines Assessment Centre
The Assessment Centre is located behind the Walker Family Cancer Centre at the rear of the St. Catharines Site at 1200 Fourth Ave. The centre has a separate entrance to limit the potential exposure of COVID-19 to patients in the Emergency Department. The centre also has a drive-through service. People who are eligible for this service will be notified when their appointment is booked. There is signage directing patients to the centre, parking and drive-through area. If you are referred to the St. Catharines Assessment Centre, please do not enter through the main entrance of the hospital. Click on image to see larger map.
Niagara Falls Assessment Centre
The 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. Referred patients will need to enter through the designated entrance. There is signage directing patients to the centre and parking. Click on image to see larger map.
Welland Assessment Centre
The Welland Assessment Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is located in the auditorium of the Welland Site at 65 Third Street. The dedicated parking spots can be accessed from MacLean Place and Plymouth Road. Click on image to see larger map.
