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The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre has transitioned into Clinical Assessment Centres, like the one in Arnprior located at the Grove Nursing Home on Ida Street.
Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre recognizes 1,000 days and nights
December 21, 2022 – For 1,000 days and nights, and counting, Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) has made a remarkable impact serving our community. As a, “made-in-Renfrew County” innovative solution, RC VTAC was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over 70 per cent of people who get help from RC VTAC for an urgent health concern do not have a family doctor or alternative primary care provider. The incredible professionalism and dedication of our family doctors, paramedics, medical receptionists and administrative staff have provided a lifeline for families across Renfrew County and beyond,” said Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon, RC VTAC’s Medical Lead.
RC VTAC ensures that everyone, especially those without a doctor, can access family doctors and community paramedics for urgent healthcare needs, including COVID-19 assessment, testing and treatment.
The Clinical Assessment Centre at the Grove Nursing Home on Ida Street in Arnprior is set up with a number of exam rooms. Today, the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre is marking 1,000 days since it became operational.
“RC VTAC strengthens timely access to integrated healthcare services for all residents for any non-emergency medical concerns they may have. It has been used by tens of thousands of residents, resulting in fewer calls to 911 and emergency department visits, protecting these important resources for people experiencing a life-threatening emergency condition,” said Michael Nolan, Chief of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service.
RC VTAC is facilitated by the County of Renfrew and Warden Peter Emon is actively advocating to secure long-term funding for the service.
"RC VTAC has emerged as a trusted tool for many and an essential component of ensuring the health of our family and friends in our community. Managing our health is important to us but also to the strained health system,” said Warden Emon. “Continued investment in RC VTAC is a wise investment in improving our personal health and also an investment in improving the health of the healthcare system."
The County of Renfrew was honoured with the Peter J. Marshall Innovation award last year by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. And most recently, RC VTAC received the Community Impact Award from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala in September. The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service was previously named Newsmakers of the Year by the Renfrew Mercury Newspaper, for its vital role in RC VTAC. Dr. Fitzsimon was recognized by the Ontario Medical Association with the Glenn Sawyer Service Award for service to the medical profession at the community level for his leadership role at RC VTAC.
RC VTAC is a collaboration between family doctors, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, primary care teams, Renfrew County Hospitals and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit. Funding and support for this vital service are provided by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health. Learn more at www.rcvtac.ca or call 1-844-727-6404, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information contact:
Lindsay McLeese, RC VTAC Coordinator and Administrative Lead at LMcLeese@countyofrenfrew.on.ca
The County of Renfrew received the Community Impact Award at the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala in September. Here with the award (from left) are Chief Michael Nolan, County of Renfrew Paramedic Service; Councillor Michael Donohue, Chair of the County Health Committee; Warden Debbie Robinson and Craig Kelley, Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk.
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