A respiratory clinic being established at Powell River Recreation Complex was a recent topic of discussion at City of Powell River Council.
At the April 9 council meeting, mayor Dave Formosa asked about facilities in Powell River Recreation Complex that health authorities requested.
“Was there a lease put in place with that? If there was, it was something that did not come to council or did not need to come to council?” asked Formosa.
Chief administrative officer (CAO) Russell Brewer said it would be the shape of a rental agreement as it would be with anyone else renting the space. The space is not being leased.
Councillor George Doubt said he understood there were some renovations involved. He wondered if the emergency operations centre was being compensated for those.
Brewer said all costs for operating are covered by Emergency Management BC.
“Ultimately, they are all eligible costs, so that means the set-up, the operation and the tear-down when we get there,” said Brewer. “It’s a great story for our community. Hopefully, we don’t need it, but in the event where the community may need it, it’s ready to go.”
Doubt said he did not know if the public was aware of how much work the mayor and CAO are putting in on a daily basis, working with the emergency operations group, and how much is being accomplished by that group.
“I want to say I appreciate it,” said Doubt. “On behalf of the community, thanks for your work, and thanks for what you are doing. It’s going to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Formosa said people can only get into the clinic by referral.
“We have a whole process in place,” said Formosa. “We were given a tour and told exactly how everything works. It’s an overflow, if need be.”
According to a media release from the regional emergency operation centre, the clinic will only be for people who have received a referral by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Regional manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms stated in a media release that: “the clinic is not open yet but has been created to ensure we are prepared and will be opened if needed. The clinic will provide a space outside the emergency department where doctors can see patients who need a lung assessment. These patients may have mild to moderate respiratory symptoms that cannot be properly treated over the phone and would be hard to assess in the traditional doctors’ office.”
The respiratory clinic is a measure to limit the number of people who have to go to the emergency department at Powell River General Hospital and reduce the risk of potentially spreading the COVID-19 infection.
The release stated that the clinic will be specifically equipped and have trained staff ready to respond. In addition, there will be strict safety precautions, such as a carefully controlled patient flow, controlled airflows, decontamination between patients and minimized touch points.
