• URGENT: Supervised injection services are suspended until further notice. Click to read more.

    To the Sandy Hill Community:


    We regret to advise you that due to a recent health and safety issue that has occurred at our CTS, we must unfortunately suspend supervised injection services for the foreseeable future while we investigate next steps.


    The health and safety of our clients, staff members and neighbours has always been and will always be our top priority.


    This was not an easy decision. We are doing our best to minimize disruption. The following Oasis / Consumption and Treatment Site services remain open:

    · The drop-in

    · The medical clinic

    · Outreach

    · Distribution of harm reduction equipment

    · Drug checking


    All other Centre programs and services remain open and are not impacted.


    We are acutely aware of the impact this situation will have on clients and our community, and are exploring options to redeploy staff to do outreach and engagement in the neighbourhood and overdose response outside.


    We will provide updates on next steps as quickly as they become available. Please direct any inquiries to info@sandyhillchc.on.ca


    Thank you for your understanding,


    Your team at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre
COVID-19

COVID-19 and Sandy Hill Community Centre

At Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and clients is our top priority. Here is how we are responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

COVID-19

Sandy Hill COVID Testing

Ottawa’s assessment centres have capacity to serve our city’s residents. If  you need to get a COVID-19 test, there will be one available to you at one of Ottawa’s six testing sites. With the move to appointment-based testing, there are no longer long lines or wait times.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you were alerted of a high risk contact by Ottawa Public Health or through the COVID Alert App, book an appointment immediately. You are putting your loved ones and community at risk by waiting a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve. This program also provides an ID safekeeping service where clients can store their ID in a secure area and access it as needed. Visit Ottawa Public Health for more information.

COVID-19

Sandy Hill COVID-19 Safety Plan

Download full COVID-19 Safety Plan

COVID-19 Safety Plan: A Snapshot

  • How we're ensuring workers know how to keep themselves safe from exposure

    • Regular memos to all staff and updates during team meetings
    • Appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to all staff

  • How we're screening for COVID-19

    • Passive and active screening for all people who enter the facility upon entry
    • Screening information on our website
    • Screening in any workplace other than our facility (e.g. home visits) where service is provided
    • Documented self-screening for all on-site staff 

  • How we're controlling the risk of transmission in our workplace

    Physical distancing and separation

    • Shifting to remote work arrangements and virtual care where possible
    • Rearranging waiting areas, office space and seating
    • Staggering breaks and appointment times
    • Signage and floor decals

    Cleaning

    • Disinfection of high touch areas at least twice daily
    • Disinfection of clinical areas following each client appointment

    Other

    • Point of care risk assessments before every client interaction
    • Masks are required for all people in the building
    • Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette promoted and hand hygiene stations available throughout the facility
    • Contact and droplet precautions when interacting in-person with anyone screening positive for COVID-19. N95 respirators available when an aerosol-generating medical procedure is possible. 
    • The Centre’s HVAC system is maintained according to manufacturer requirements and is inspected at least every six months. 

  • What we'll do if there is a potential case, or suspected exposure

    • Undertake risk assessment
    • Clients screening positive are assessed by provider and directed to get tested or sent home for self-isolation 
    • Inform Joint Health & Safety Committee and Ministry of Labour, as appropriate 
    • Inform OPH of any probable transmission to a staff member and inform other staff who may have been exposed, as appropriate 

  • How we're managing any new risks caused by the changes made to the way we operate

    • Regular check-ins with staff
    • Ensure staff have the appropriate tools and arrangements to do their job safely
    • Joint Health and Safety Committee continues with their mandate to make recommendations to the employer

  • How we're making sure our plan is working

    • Regular review of the Safety Plan to ensure it stays updated and monitoring workflows and work spaces
    • Obtain feedback from staff
    • Use of incident report forms and recommendations from the Joint Health and Safety Committee to the employer
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