After testing hundreds of workers in the region’s hospitality and tourism industry, Niagara Health’s temporary Assessment Centre in Niagara Falls saw its final patients Friday afternoon.
Opened on August 5 in partnership with Niagara Falls Tourism, the City of Niagara Falls, and the Scotiabank Convention Centre, the temporary site was designed to help alleviate wait times at NH’s three existing testing centres by focusing on workers in the hospitality and tourism sector.
In its two and a half week operation, the temporary centre located in the parking lot of the Scotiabank Convention Centre saw over 750 patients.
“Moving forward, we will accommodate those needing tests through our existing Assessment Centres located in St. Catharines, Welland, and Niagara Falls. We will continue to monitor patient volumes and are prepared to increase capacity if needed,” said Heather Paterson, Niagara Health’s Director of Patient Care Medicine/Emergency Programs, Executive Lead and Chief Nursing Officer, St Catharines Site.
Paterson added that developing and opening the centre provided a valuable service to patients and was a great source of learning for the Niagara Health team. “The collaboration between all partners has been tremendous. This experience has prepared us to respond quickly should the need arise in the future,” said Paterson.
“NFT thanks all participating tourism businesses and their staff members, Niagara Health, Scotiabank Convention Centre, City Hall for the collaborative efforts that made this testing possible. The service was sincerely appreciated as part of the business community’s commitment to deliver ‘Safe to Play’ and ‘Safe to Stay’ experiences for staff and visitors,” said Janice Thomson, President and CEO, Niagara Falls Tourism.
Anyone wishing to be tested for COVID-19 should call Niagara Health at 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19). Assessment Centres will see walk-ins until 4 p.m. each day; however, booking an appointment remains the quickest, most efficient way to be tested.
For more information on Niagara Health’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres, please visit our website.
