Pembroke: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) was launched on March 27, 2020 to support COVID-19 swabbing while ensuring that our hospital emergency rooms did not become overwhelmed. At the same time, RC VTAC started playing an important role providing access to urgent primary care for all Renfrew County and area residents.
The County of Renfrew is working to make the RC VTAC service a permanent addition to our community. The County is asking residents to share their RC VTAC experiences with Premier Ford and Christine Elliott, Minister of Health, ensuring that this critical health care service continues to be available to the residents of Renfrew County and area. We have heard from many residents about the importance of this service; however we need to ensure that this message is heard at Queen’s Park.
The RC VTAC is a collaboration between Renfrew County Primary Care teams, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, Renfrew County Hospitals, and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, with the support of Ontario Health East.
The RC VTAC is a health-care solution designed to reduce the demand on Emergency Departments and provide Renfrew County residents, who do not have a family physician or cannot access their family physician, with the appropriate level of care when they have any health concerns (including concerns related to COVID-19).
“This service has proven to be effective and it is a service we would like the province to continue to offer our residents beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said County of Renfrew Warden Debbie Robinson. “This is particularly helpful for residents without a family doctor along with senior citizens and others who may have difficulties getting to and from appointments in a physical office.”
“I believe this service is invaluable to the residents of Renfrew County and area in all aspects and I am asking that they voice their opinions to the Ontario Premier and the Minister of Health,” added Warden Robinson.
You can find the appropriate email addresses to send your communication to below:
• Premier of Ontario’s Office: premier@ontario.ca
• Minister of Health’s Office: Christine.elliott@pc.ola.org
To learn more about RC VTAC, please visit: www.rcvtac.ca
For more information:
Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288
Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288