Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank the witnesses for appearing today before our committee. I know that you are likely busier than usual so your time is very much appreciated.
My question is directed to Dr. Naveed Mohammad of Osler.
Dr. Mohammad, I'm currently on the Osler website, and it says:
As part of ongoing preparations to ensure [Osler] is well positioned to provide emergency care for an increased number of patients in the coming weeks, a temporary triage area is being erected at its Brampton Civic Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital sites. The temporary structures are part of Osler’s escalated preparedness efforts as set out in its Pandemic Plan.
The temporary Emergency Department triage structures, which will remain vacant until they are needed, can be used to provide added capacity for Osler’s Emergency Departments should the need arise. They will provide a dedicated space for triaging patients who may require emergency care and will support the safety of patients who do not have COVID-19.
Dr. Mohammad, I want to share with you also a letter from a doctor in my constituency, a quick letter from Dr. Colum Smith. He states:
...I simply cannot believe that the local hospitals are receiving patients with fever into their emerg departments....
We need “fever only” facilities opened without delay....
Patients with fever or other signs/symptoms of [COVID-19] infection need to be triaged at the main entrance of our hospitals and directed to a separate assessment area....
Dr. Mohammad, because Osler did construct such a temporary facility, should this not become common practice throughout the hospital system in this country?