ATTENTION: RE – Notice of Unauthorized Access of Medical Records
Please further be advised that the Information and Privacy Commissioner
of Alberta has the authority to investigate any breaches of privacy
pursuant to the Health Information Act. The Clinic is currently working with
the OIPC in this matter. You may also contact the OIPC directly at 780-
422-6860 (Toll-free at 1-888-878-4044) or [email protected]
ATTENTION: RE – COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Patients and Families –
As you are aware, there are public health concerns due to the current outbreak/pandemic of Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 (Coronavirus). COVID-19 is a newly identified respiratory virus that can spread easily. Although it shares several symptoms with influenza they are different viruses and are treated differently. COVID-19 infection may appear 2-14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. In pediatrics, this can be especially difficult as respiratory illnesses with similar presentations are common in this season.
We are committed to limiting the spread of this virus, as well as continuing to provide quality care to our patients and their families. There will be ongoing changes in terms of recommendations regarding this virus and we ask that if you have questions, you access information about COVID-19 from Alberta Health Services as this is updated frequently with accurate information.
What To Do
If you are showing any sign of possible COVID-19 symptoms and/or have any concerns regarding whether you should be assessed for COVID-19, please look at this Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Online Screening tool.
What NOT To Do
We’re committed to everyone’s safety. This virus spreads rapidly. Please help us to minimize potential exposure to other patients by not coming into a clinic or hospital to be tested. As always, do not hesitate to ask our office if you have any specific questions.
FURTHER INFO
Please note that health care providers and individuals who have been out of country will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days given that this is the time frame during which symptoms can develop. This may impact your appointment if your pediatrician is required to quarantine. In the scenario that telephone management can be done for a particular concern, we will be providing this service as able (during clinic hours).
Your privacy continues to be of utmost importance. As per the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA):
COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada’s public health system. Our health service is starting to offer virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:
- Understand that video, emails, calls, or texts you may receive are not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.
- Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device), secure accounts and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.
If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, other arrangements can be made. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.
By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used (identify all that apply): email, videoconferencing (including Skype, Facetime, etc.), text messaging (including instant messaging), website/portal, other (specify).
Thank you for your understanding during this time. We advise you to use common sense in supporting the community in supporting our vulnerable populations. Recommendations:
- Wash your hands often and well (for at least 20 seconds)
- Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
- Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
- When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
Please note: If you are sick, wearing a mask helps prevent passing the illness on to other people. If you are HEALTHY, medical masks are NOT recommended as they don’t provide full protection and can create a false sense of security.
Sources:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16997.aspx#prev
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/covid19