COVID-19 INFORMATION -- PLEASE READ BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18/21 @ 1100 AM: Section F (new study on effects of COVID in pregnancy), Health Care Information Obstetrics Links (Finding a Doctor for your Baby)
UPDATED AUGUST 25/21 @ 425 PM: Health Care Information Misc Links (Assaulted Women's Helpline number)
UPDATED AUGUST 21/21 @ 405 PM: Health Care Information OB links (QCH Cervical Ripening/Induction), Gyne links (PRISM calendar)
UPDATED AUGUST 20/21 @ 1116 AM: Section B (new prenatal clinic dates to end of 2021)
UPDATED JULY 29/21 @ 1258 PM: Section C (QCH Childbirth Visitor Policy); A (office reopened); B (new clinic date of Aug 30)
UPDATED July 11/21 @ 2030 pm: Section A (office closed July 13-26)
UPDATED July 5/21 @ 0500 am: Section C (cancelled gynecologic surgeries rebooking)
UPDATED June 29/21 @ 1530 pm: Section B (new clinic dates); D (lifting of partner restrictions at ultrasound)
UPDATED June 23/21 @ 1500 pm: Section B (new clinic date)
UPDATED June 21/21 @ 325 pm: Section B (new clinic dates)
UPDATED May 5/21 @ 450 pm: Section F (updated link from PCMCH)
UPDATED April 25/21 @ 0925 am: Section F (information on blood clots and COVID vaccines)
UPDATED April 24/21 @ 925 pm: Section F (OPH vaccination for pregnant women)
UPDATED April 23/21 @ 0815/855/910 am: Section F (pregnant women in Ontario now eligible for vaccine...how to book, updated info sites, vaccination registry)
UPDATED April 12/21 @ 200 pm: Section C (OR cancellation); Health Information Tab (Pandemic Pregnancy Guide Instagram site link)
UPDATED April 8/21 @ 845 am: Section B (new prenatal clinic dates); Section C (OR information)
UPDATED March 17/21 @ 440 pm: Section F (further info on COVID vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding)
UPDATED March 16/21 @ 325 pm: Section B (March 30 clinic moved to April 1); Section C (QCH no longer providing meals for partners); Section F (updated SOGC COVID 19 information including vaccination); Health Information Tab (free virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding Sessions/Kyleena added)
UPDATED February 7/21 @ 945: Section B (housekeeping re PINS/forms), Section D (reminding people to bring US forms to appointments), Section E (Life Labs added), Section F (VACCINE INFO!), Health Information Tab (some links updated)
UPDATED Section F January 12/21 @ 1825 (VACCINE INFORMATION!)
UPDATED Section B January 4/21 @ 0845 (change to March office date)
UPDATED Section B December 20/20 @ 1130 (new prenatal office appointment dates)
Dear patients:
This is a difficult time for us all. It is important that all Canadians work together to follow the recommendations of the public health authorities to 'flatten the curve' of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we all have a duty as citizens to adhere to the national recommendations and MINIMIZE INTERACTIONS. You can do your part to decrease community spread in Ottawa. The health care system does not have an unlimited capacity.
Please see the links at the bottom of this letter outlining prevention, social distancing, symptoms, home preparedness and avoiding non-essential travel. Click here to watch a video with 5 quick tips to prevent infection.
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection. Click here to watch a video of 'how to wash your hands like a surgeon'.
A. OFFICE INFORMATION
SOCIAL DISTANCING (2 metres between people) is recommended to minimize the risk of transmission of this virus. In order to do this and protect all patients coming to the office, please adhere to the following requests. Click here to watch a video explaining social distancing.
AS PER RECENT PUBLIC HEATH RECOMMENDATIONS, PLEASE WEAR A MASK (CLOTH) OR MOUTH/NOSE COVERING (SUCH AS A SCARF) TO YOUR OFFICE APPOINTMENT. With your examination there will be times when you cannot socially distance. Click this link for Ottawa Public Health information about cloth masks including where to get them.
READ AND FOLLOW ANY SIGNAGE WE HAVE POSTED ON THE DOOR BEFORE YOU ENTER THE OFFICE. WE ARE SCREENING PATIENTS AT THE DOOR; DO NOT ENTER THE OFFICE UNTIL YOU ARE INVITED INSIDE.
IF YOU HAVE RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (SUCH AS A FEVER, COUGH OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH):
PLEASE RESCHEDULE OFFICE APPOINTMENTS IF YOU OR A FAMILY CONTACT HAVE TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF CANADA WITHIN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. YOU SHOULD BE IN SELF-ISOLATION AT HOME. We will reschedule your appointment to at least 2 weeks after your return date provided you have no symptoms.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY COMPANIONS/VISITORS INCLUDING CHILDREN TO YOUR OFFICE APPOINTMENT OR INTO THE BUILDING; ONLY REGISTERED PATIENTS WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE OFFICE. If necessary, we will reschedule to allow another caregiver to be present at home with your children. This allows us to keep the patients apart in the waiting room and prevents exposure of others. If you need a driver for your appointment, please have them wait outside the clinic such as in their car. They should NOT enter the building.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE MINDFUL OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AFTER YOUR NEW BABY COMES HOME. Restrictions have been somewhat lifted and family "bubbles" enlarged. Please be mindful of whom you include in your bubble. This protects the health of your newborn, your other children and yourselves. Most especially, grandparents are in a high-risk group for severe COVID-19 infections based on their age alone.
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO HAVE YOUR TDAP VACCINE (WHOOPING COUGH). I have discussed with you that newborns can contract whooping cough from people visiting the baby. In the third trimester I recommended TDAP (whooping cough vaccine) for patients to get from their family physician. Ideally, have your TDAP at 26 to 30 weeks. This allows enough time for your antibodies to cross the placenta and protect your baby. SEE SECTION F BELOW FOR INFORMATION ON COVID VACCINATION.
WHEN AVAILABLE, PLEASE HAVE YOUR INFLUENZA VACCINE!!! This can be done at a pharmacy or with your family physician. You do not need a 'special' flu shot due to pregnancy.
OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH recommends downloading the COVID ALERT APP for contact tracing.
B. IF YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING APPOINTMENT....TELEPHONE AND OFFICE APPOINTMENTS
I am reviewing all upcoming referrals and appointments. Where possible, I will be doing telephone or virtual appointments initially or when no physical examination is required. Sometimes you will need an office appointment. You may need both types of appointment if your care is ongoing during the COVID pandemic (for example ongoing prenatal care or a gynecologic patient needing an exam).
If I assess that your appointment can be conducted over the telephone, Michelle will call you to set up an appointment (time window, phone number, email). Although your email reminder may note a specific time please realize that I can 'be running late or early' with telephone appointments; it is a rough approximation of your time. During your appointment please be in a quiet location, with a pen and paper, have your medications on hand and have access to the internet via your phone or computer.
We may send you paperwork/requisitions by secure email either before or after your appointment. (Secure email requires a PIN that we will give you by telephone when we arrange your appointment time. The PIN is all in capital letters.) If you have access to a printer, please print these forms out and take them to the lab or ultrasound clinic with you. Make sure you print out all the forms! If you don't have a printer, you can upload lab forms to Dynacare. You can also arrange to pick up the forms in person at our office (call ahead). If you have difficulty opening the email attachments, please call the office. Don't wait until your next appointment to ask...some tests are time sensitive!
For your own information and protection, we ask you to read the telephone consent form below BEFORE YOUR TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT. (There is nothing to sign; just read the link below.)
Telephone Appointment Consent
If I assess that you require an office appointment (mostly prenatal patients and gynecologic patients needing an examination), please note we will also be spacing out appointments to minimize the number of women in the office at one time. Your appointment time may be changed. I may review your chart and determine that your appointment can be deferred by one to several weeks (depending on your stage of pregnancy) to allow you to stay at home. Please do your part: confirm your email appointment reminder and be punctual for your appointment to allow everyone to practice social distancing. If you do not confirm your appointment it may be cancelled.
You may have both telephone and office appointments (alternating for example) if you require ongoing care during this time. This scenario applies mostly to patients needing ongoing prenatal care. Some appointments will be by telephone and some in the office. If you are not sure if your appointment is by telephone or in the office, you can always call us to check. More easily, below is the list of dates we will be in the office.
IF YOU HAVE A FOLLOWUP PRENATAL APPOINTMENT booked on the dates below, your appointment is at the office. If you have a followup prenatal appointment booked on a different date, it is most likely to be a telephone appointment. There are office GYNE only dates (not listed). Please check with us if your gynecologic appointment is in person or by phone.
Office prenatal appointment dates (Thursdays unless otherwise stated):
August 26/30 (MONDAY)
September 9/16/21 (TUESDAY)/30
October 7/14/21/28
November 4/11/18/25
December 2/9/16/23/30
If this is your first visit to the office (even if you are a patient from before), your email appointment notification will have links to paperwork that should be completed by you BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT while in your own home. Please print the forms, complete them and bring them with you to your appointment.
If your prenatal or gynecologic health changes and you feel you need an appointment earlier please call the office at 613-686-7580. Michelle and I are both working from home aside from the office time required for booked in-person appointments. Phones are forwarded. Voicemails can still be retrieved. PLEASE CALL DURING BUSINESS HOURS ONLY as the phones are forwarded to our home numbers.
C. QUEENSWAY-CARLETON HOSPITAL INFORMATION
QUEENSWAY-CARLETON HOSPITAL HAS INSTITUTED SCREENING FOR PATIENTS AND VISITORS ENTERING THE BUILDING. LABOUR SUPPORT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AND EVOLVING; see below. Your labour support person (s) must be healthy; sometimes this might mean bringing your mother rather than your partner. Your labour support partner must NOT leave your hospital room during your stay; there is one in-out privilege in 24 hours(for example going home to shower). Support persons are only permitted to go to Tim Horton's, the cafeteria or to collect food delivered to the front door of the hospital. Otherwise, they must stay in the room with you AT ALL TIMES. Please pack additional snacks/drinks as needed. Please check the QCH website or the link immediately below.
Update on QCH Birth Unit Visitors/Labour Support as of July 29, 2021
PATIENTS AND LABOUR SUPPORT PERSONNEL NEED TO WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE HOSPITAL, INCLUDING WHILE PUSHING FOR DELIVERY.
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND NEED TO COME TO TRIAGE AT THE MOTHER BABY UNIT, YOU MUST CALL AHEAD FROM HOME. During your telephone call, staff will determine if your concerns can be handled over the telephone by the nurse/obstetrician on call or if you require a hospital visit. If you require a hospital visit, YOU WILL BE SCREENED FOR COVID SYMPTOMS AT THE FRONT DOOR. Patients with COVID symptoms and a need to be seen can still enter the hospital; we just need to know to place these patients in private rooms right away. Please do your part to keep the QCH safe for everyone - patients, health care workers and hospital employees alike.
THE BREASTFEEDING CLINIC IS OPEN AGAIN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; call 613-721-4816 to book an appointment at least a day in advance. Newborns born at QCH and up to three weeks from hospital discharge are eligible with their mothers only. (Sorry no partners allowed at this time.)
PARKING IS NO LONGER FREE AT THE HOSPITAL.
IF YOU HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MALCOLM (GESTATIONAL DIABETES, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, ETC). Dr. Malcolm will be calling you with a telephone appointment (read the Telephone Appointment consent above; she will be using the same).
ELECTIVE GYNECOLOGIC AND OTHER SURGERIES (NOT PLANNED CESAREAN SECTIONS) ARE slowly ramping up at QCH. I am reviewing all outstanding surgeries and will be in touch with patients directly based on priority of illness.
D. ULTRASOUND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
IF YOU HAVE AN ULTRASOUND AT WOMEN'S ULTRASOUND CLINIC (CLEOPATRA OR BANK STREET) SCHEDULED:
Partners are now allowed in for ultrasounds at WUC and Avantia.
If your ultrasound is booked at another site, please contact them directly for restriction information.
E. LAB INFORMATION
If I have requested bloodwork please do your blood tests at either a Dynacare or Life Labs location. You will need to bring a requisition(s). The requisitions are either given to you in person at your appointment or emailed to you (to print after entering your PIN if you have a printer or upload to the Dynacare site). If you do not have a printer/cannot upload to the site, please call the office to arrange to pick them up in person.
Dynacare and Life Labs have limited their locations and hours to practice social distancing. Please check the link for the latest updates and ensure your lab of choice is open (check under Find a Location on the websites below). As well, I recommend to check in on-line prior to your appointment. This can be done from the website. If dropping off a test result, consider sending another non-pregnant family member (with your OHIP card) to the lab.
Dynacare Labs
Life Labs
F. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
COVID-19 VACCINATION:
SOGC Consensus Statement (February 1/21): Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be offered vaccination at anytime if they are eligible and no contraindications exist. This decision is based the women’s personal values and an understanding that the risk of infection and/or morbidity from COVID-19 outweighs the theorized and undescribed risk of being vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women should not be precluded from vaccination based on pregnancy status or breastfeeding.
COVID-19 Science Table article on Incidence/Severity/Management of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 (good summary page)
SOGC COVID 19 Webpage (including information on vaccination; updated links inside this portal)
I am Pregnant or Breastfeeding. Should I get the COVID vaccine? (from Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health; updated April 28/21)
Ministry of Health Info on COVID vaccination in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
As of April 23, 2021 I have just learned pregnant women in Ontario are eligible to book a COVID vaccine appointment. A caregiver (ie partner) can also get their vaccine. No letter is needed. Your second shot will be scheduled for 16 weeks afterwards. If I have discussed COVID vaccination with you in your prenatal appointment, please go ahead and book your vaccine appointment.
There appear to be two ways to register for vaccination:
1. Call the Ontario Provincial Hotline 1-833-943-3900 and register through the provincial site. Here is my screenshot of the provincial website.
2. Book online at OPH as of April 26, 2021 by clicking on the Ottawa Public Health site.
If you do obtain your COVID vaccine, please consider to enroll in the Canadian COVID-19 Vaccine Registry for Pregnant and Lactating Individuals. Here is the website for further information. Ongoing surveillance is part of any vaccine or medication rollout. You no doubt used information posted in the above links to make your decision about vaccination. Please help others by contributing to the data pool. This further data may help others to be prepared to vaccinate themselves.
Red and white health cards will not be expiring July 1/20 as previously posted.
IF YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE OHIP:
To ensure that anyone in need of care can receive it, Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage FOR IN HOSPITAL CARE. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons.
As further information is made available, I will be updating this site regularly. Please be sure to check it at least once or twice a week and before you need to engage in any medical care.
Thank you in advance for your 'patient patience' (:>D) as we go forward into uncharted territory. We realize these are restrictive measures but are vital to keep everyone (yourselves, the loved ones in your family and your health care providers) as healthy as possible. These are the measures determined by Ottawa Public Health and the Queensway-Carleton Hospital.
You can do your critical part by keeping social distancing. Wear a mask. Wash your hands regularly.
This too shall pass.
Yours in health,
Dr. Sunita Lal and Michelle
RESOURCE LINKS:
Ottawa Public Health
Public Health Association of Canada
Queensway Carleton Hospital
Information about Pregnancy and COVID (link from colleagues at Queen's University, Kingston ON)
Government of Canada Employment Insurance Information
UPDATED AUGUST 25/21 @ 425 PM: Health Care Information Misc Links (Assaulted Women's Helpline number)
UPDATED AUGUST 21/21 @ 405 PM: Health Care Information OB links (QCH Cervical Ripening/Induction), Gyne links (PRISM calendar)
UPDATED AUGUST 20/21 @ 1116 AM: Section B (new prenatal clinic dates to end of 2021)
UPDATED JULY 29/21 @ 1258 PM: Section C (QCH Childbirth Visitor Policy); A (office reopened); B (new clinic date of Aug 30)
UPDATED July 11/21 @ 2030 pm: Section A (office closed July 13-26)
UPDATED July 5/21 @ 0500 am: Section C (cancelled gynecologic surgeries rebooking)
UPDATED June 29/21 @ 1530 pm: Section B (new clinic dates); D (lifting of partner restrictions at ultrasound)
UPDATED June 23/21 @ 1500 pm: Section B (new clinic date)
UPDATED June 21/21 @ 325 pm: Section B (new clinic dates)
UPDATED May 5/21 @ 450 pm: Section F (updated link from PCMCH)
UPDATED April 25/21 @ 0925 am: Section F (information on blood clots and COVID vaccines)
UPDATED April 24/21 @ 925 pm: Section F (OPH vaccination for pregnant women)
UPDATED April 23/21 @ 0815/855/910 am: Section F (pregnant women in Ontario now eligible for vaccine...how to book, updated info sites, vaccination registry)
UPDATED April 12/21 @ 200 pm: Section C (OR cancellation); Health Information Tab (Pandemic Pregnancy Guide Instagram site link)
UPDATED April 8/21 @ 845 am: Section B (new prenatal clinic dates); Section C (OR information)
UPDATED March 17/21 @ 440 pm: Section F (further info on COVID vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding)
UPDATED March 16/21 @ 325 pm: Section B (March 30 clinic moved to April 1); Section C (QCH no longer providing meals for partners); Section F (updated SOGC COVID 19 information including vaccination); Health Information Tab (free virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding Sessions/Kyleena added)
UPDATED February 7/21 @ 945: Section B (housekeeping re PINS/forms), Section D (reminding people to bring US forms to appointments), Section E (Life Labs added), Section F (VACCINE INFO!), Health Information Tab (some links updated)
UPDATED Section F January 12/21 @ 1825 (VACCINE INFORMATION!)
UPDATED Section B January 4/21 @ 0845 (change to March office date)
UPDATED Section B December 20/20 @ 1130 (new prenatal office appointment dates)
Dear patients:
This is a difficult time for us all. It is important that all Canadians work together to follow the recommendations of the public health authorities to 'flatten the curve' of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we all have a duty as citizens to adhere to the national recommendations and MINIMIZE INTERACTIONS. You can do your part to decrease community spread in Ottawa. The health care system does not have an unlimited capacity.
Please see the links at the bottom of this letter outlining prevention, social distancing, symptoms, home preparedness and avoiding non-essential travel. Click here to watch a video with 5 quick tips to prevent infection.
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection. Click here to watch a video of 'how to wash your hands like a surgeon'.
A. OFFICE INFORMATION
SOCIAL DISTANCING (2 metres between people) is recommended to minimize the risk of transmission of this virus. In order to do this and protect all patients coming to the office, please adhere to the following requests. Click here to watch a video explaining social distancing.
AS PER RECENT PUBLIC HEATH RECOMMENDATIONS, PLEASE WEAR A MASK (CLOTH) OR MOUTH/NOSE COVERING (SUCH AS A SCARF) TO YOUR OFFICE APPOINTMENT. With your examination there will be times when you cannot socially distance. Click this link for Ottawa Public Health information about cloth masks including where to get them.
READ AND FOLLOW ANY SIGNAGE WE HAVE POSTED ON THE DOOR BEFORE YOU ENTER THE OFFICE. WE ARE SCREENING PATIENTS AT THE DOOR; DO NOT ENTER THE OFFICE UNTIL YOU ARE INVITED INSIDE.
IF YOU HAVE RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS (SUCH AS A FEVER, COUGH OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH):
- DO NOT ATTEND YOUR OFFICE APPOINTMENT. You can cancel via your email appointment reminder or leave a message at 613-686-7580. We will rearrange your appointment to telephone only or to the office after you have fully recovered.
- YOU CAN GET TESTED FOR COVID at various locations in the city. Click here to access information. You SHOULD get tested for COVID; your COVID status is important to providing the best care for you and your baby.
- Click on Ottawa Public Health link below for other options for care: COVID assessment clinics, COVID Care Clinics in Ottawa.
PLEASE RESCHEDULE OFFICE APPOINTMENTS IF YOU OR A FAMILY CONTACT HAVE TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF CANADA WITHIN THE LAST 2 WEEKS. YOU SHOULD BE IN SELF-ISOLATION AT HOME. We will reschedule your appointment to at least 2 weeks after your return date provided you have no symptoms.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY COMPANIONS/VISITORS INCLUDING CHILDREN TO YOUR OFFICE APPOINTMENT OR INTO THE BUILDING; ONLY REGISTERED PATIENTS WILL BE PERMITTED INSIDE THE OFFICE. If necessary, we will reschedule to allow another caregiver to be present at home with your children. This allows us to keep the patients apart in the waiting room and prevents exposure of others. If you need a driver for your appointment, please have them wait outside the clinic such as in their car. They should NOT enter the building.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE MINDFUL OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AFTER YOUR NEW BABY COMES HOME. Restrictions have been somewhat lifted and family "bubbles" enlarged. Please be mindful of whom you include in your bubble. This protects the health of your newborn, your other children and yourselves. Most especially, grandparents are in a high-risk group for severe COVID-19 infections based on their age alone.
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO HAVE YOUR TDAP VACCINE (WHOOPING COUGH). I have discussed with you that newborns can contract whooping cough from people visiting the baby. In the third trimester I recommended TDAP (whooping cough vaccine) for patients to get from their family physician. Ideally, have your TDAP at 26 to 30 weeks. This allows enough time for your antibodies to cross the placenta and protect your baby. SEE SECTION F BELOW FOR INFORMATION ON COVID VACCINATION.
WHEN AVAILABLE, PLEASE HAVE YOUR INFLUENZA VACCINE!!! This can be done at a pharmacy or with your family physician. You do not need a 'special' flu shot due to pregnancy.
OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH recommends downloading the COVID ALERT APP for contact tracing.
B. IF YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING APPOINTMENT....TELEPHONE AND OFFICE APPOINTMENTS
I am reviewing all upcoming referrals and appointments. Where possible, I will be doing telephone or virtual appointments initially or when no physical examination is required. Sometimes you will need an office appointment. You may need both types of appointment if your care is ongoing during the COVID pandemic (for example ongoing prenatal care or a gynecologic patient needing an exam).
If I assess that your appointment can be conducted over the telephone, Michelle will call you to set up an appointment (time window, phone number, email). Although your email reminder may note a specific time please realize that I can 'be running late or early' with telephone appointments; it is a rough approximation of your time. During your appointment please be in a quiet location, with a pen and paper, have your medications on hand and have access to the internet via your phone or computer.
We may send you paperwork/requisitions by secure email either before or after your appointment. (Secure email requires a PIN that we will give you by telephone when we arrange your appointment time. The PIN is all in capital letters.) If you have access to a printer, please print these forms out and take them to the lab or ultrasound clinic with you. Make sure you print out all the forms! If you don't have a printer, you can upload lab forms to Dynacare. You can also arrange to pick up the forms in person at our office (call ahead). If you have difficulty opening the email attachments, please call the office. Don't wait until your next appointment to ask...some tests are time sensitive!
For your own information and protection, we ask you to read the telephone consent form below BEFORE YOUR TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT. (There is nothing to sign; just read the link below.)
Telephone Appointment Consent
If I assess that you require an office appointment (mostly prenatal patients and gynecologic patients needing an examination), please note we will also be spacing out appointments to minimize the number of women in the office at one time. Your appointment time may be changed. I may review your chart and determine that your appointment can be deferred by one to several weeks (depending on your stage of pregnancy) to allow you to stay at home. Please do your part: confirm your email appointment reminder and be punctual for your appointment to allow everyone to practice social distancing. If you do not confirm your appointment it may be cancelled.
You may have both telephone and office appointments (alternating for example) if you require ongoing care during this time. This scenario applies mostly to patients needing ongoing prenatal care. Some appointments will be by telephone and some in the office. If you are not sure if your appointment is by telephone or in the office, you can always call us to check. More easily, below is the list of dates we will be in the office.
IF YOU HAVE A FOLLOWUP PRENATAL APPOINTMENT booked on the dates below, your appointment is at the office. If you have a followup prenatal appointment booked on a different date, it is most likely to be a telephone appointment. There are office GYNE only dates (not listed). Please check with us if your gynecologic appointment is in person or by phone.
Office prenatal appointment dates (Thursdays unless otherwise stated):
August 26/30 (MONDAY)
September 9/16/21 (TUESDAY)/30
October 7/14/21/28
November 4/11/18/25
December 2/9/16/23/30
If this is your first visit to the office (even if you are a patient from before), your email appointment notification will have links to paperwork that should be completed by you BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT while in your own home. Please print the forms, complete them and bring them with you to your appointment.
If your prenatal or gynecologic health changes and you feel you need an appointment earlier please call the office at 613-686-7580. Michelle and I are both working from home aside from the office time required for booked in-person appointments. Phones are forwarded. Voicemails can still be retrieved. PLEASE CALL DURING BUSINESS HOURS ONLY as the phones are forwarded to our home numbers.
C. QUEENSWAY-CARLETON HOSPITAL INFORMATION
QUEENSWAY-CARLETON HOSPITAL HAS INSTITUTED SCREENING FOR PATIENTS AND VISITORS ENTERING THE BUILDING. LABOUR SUPPORT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AND EVOLVING; see below. Your labour support person (s) must be healthy; sometimes this might mean bringing your mother rather than your partner. Your labour support partner must NOT leave your hospital room during your stay; there is one in-out privilege in 24 hours(for example going home to shower). Support persons are only permitted to go to Tim Horton's, the cafeteria or to collect food delivered to the front door of the hospital. Otherwise, they must stay in the room with you AT ALL TIMES. Please pack additional snacks/drinks as needed. Please check the QCH website or the link immediately below.
Update on QCH Birth Unit Visitors/Labour Support as of July 29, 2021
PATIENTS AND LABOUR SUPPORT PERSONNEL NEED TO WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE HOSPITAL, INCLUDING WHILE PUSHING FOR DELIVERY.
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND NEED TO COME TO TRIAGE AT THE MOTHER BABY UNIT, YOU MUST CALL AHEAD FROM HOME. During your telephone call, staff will determine if your concerns can be handled over the telephone by the nurse/obstetrician on call or if you require a hospital visit. If you require a hospital visit, YOU WILL BE SCREENED FOR COVID SYMPTOMS AT THE FRONT DOOR. Patients with COVID symptoms and a need to be seen can still enter the hospital; we just need to know to place these patients in private rooms right away. Please do your part to keep the QCH safe for everyone - patients, health care workers and hospital employees alike.
THE BREASTFEEDING CLINIC IS OPEN AGAIN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; call 613-721-4816 to book an appointment at least a day in advance. Newborns born at QCH and up to three weeks from hospital discharge are eligible with their mothers only. (Sorry no partners allowed at this time.)
PARKING IS NO LONGER FREE AT THE HOSPITAL.
IF YOU HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. MALCOLM (GESTATIONAL DIABETES, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, ETC). Dr. Malcolm will be calling you with a telephone appointment (read the Telephone Appointment consent above; she will be using the same).
ELECTIVE GYNECOLOGIC AND OTHER SURGERIES (NOT PLANNED CESAREAN SECTIONS) ARE slowly ramping up at QCH. I am reviewing all outstanding surgeries and will be in touch with patients directly based on priority of illness.
D. ULTRASOUND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
IF YOU HAVE AN ULTRASOUND AT WOMEN'S ULTRASOUND CLINIC (CLEOPATRA OR BANK STREET) SCHEDULED:
- All gynecologic (non-pregnant) ultrasounds are being done. If you had previously cancelled your ultrasound at the start of the pandemic, please rebook it and call the office for a followup.
- If you are booking an obstetrical (pregnancy) ultrasound for dating and not planning to do eFTS (genetic) screening, book it at least 8 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. This will limit the need for repeat scanning appointments due to 'it being too early' for an ultrasound.
- If you are planning to do eFTS (genetic screening), book your first ultrasound at 11 1/2 weeks. This way one ultrasound appointment can confirm your dates and do the measurements needed for eFTS.
- If you are booking an obstetrical (pregnancy) ultrasound for anatomy, book it at 20 weeks. This will limit the need for repeat scanning appointments due to inability to see all the anatomy properly.
- YOU MUST BRING YOUR ULTRASOUND REQUISITION (emailed to you/given to you in person) to your appointment.
- DO NOT ATTEND YOUR ULTRASOUND APPOINTMENT IF YOU ARE ILL OR HAVE TRAVELLED OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY (or had contact with someone who has) IN THE LAST 14 DAYS.
- I know many of these changes are disappointing but it allows us to keep the ultrasound units safe for everyone and to keep them running as an essential service for pregnant patients.
Partners are now allowed in for ultrasounds at WUC and Avantia.
If your ultrasound is booked at another site, please contact them directly for restriction information.
E. LAB INFORMATION
If I have requested bloodwork please do your blood tests at either a Dynacare or Life Labs location. You will need to bring a requisition(s). The requisitions are either given to you in person at your appointment or emailed to you (to print after entering your PIN if you have a printer or upload to the Dynacare site). If you do not have a printer/cannot upload to the site, please call the office to arrange to pick them up in person.
Dynacare and Life Labs have limited their locations and hours to practice social distancing. Please check the link for the latest updates and ensure your lab of choice is open (check under Find a Location on the websites below). As well, I recommend to check in on-line prior to your appointment. This can be done from the website. If dropping off a test result, consider sending another non-pregnant family member (with your OHIP card) to the lab.
Dynacare Labs
Life Labs
F. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
COVID-19 VACCINATION:
SOGC Consensus Statement (February 1/21): Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be offered vaccination at anytime if they are eligible and no contraindications exist. This decision is based the women’s personal values and an understanding that the risk of infection and/or morbidity from COVID-19 outweighs the theorized and undescribed risk of being vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women should not be precluded from vaccination based on pregnancy status or breastfeeding.
COVID-19 Science Table article on Incidence/Severity/Management of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 (good summary page)
SOGC COVID 19 Webpage (including information on vaccination; updated links inside this portal)
I am Pregnant or Breastfeeding. Should I get the COVID vaccine? (from Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health; updated April 28/21)
Ministry of Health Info on COVID vaccination in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
As of April 23, 2021 I have just learned pregnant women in Ontario are eligible to book a COVID vaccine appointment. A caregiver (ie partner) can also get their vaccine. No letter is needed. Your second shot will be scheduled for 16 weeks afterwards. If I have discussed COVID vaccination with you in your prenatal appointment, please go ahead and book your vaccine appointment.
There appear to be two ways to register for vaccination:
1. Call the Ontario Provincial Hotline 1-833-943-3900 and register through the provincial site. Here is my screenshot of the provincial website.
2. Book online at OPH as of April 26, 2021 by clicking on the Ottawa Public Health site.
If you do obtain your COVID vaccine, please consider to enroll in the Canadian COVID-19 Vaccine Registry for Pregnant and Lactating Individuals. Here is the website for further information. Ongoing surveillance is part of any vaccine or medication rollout. You no doubt used information posted in the above links to make your decision about vaccination. Please help others by contributing to the data pool. This further data may help others to be prepared to vaccinate themselves.
Red and white health cards will not be expiring July 1/20 as previously posted.
IF YOU DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE OHIP:
To ensure that anyone in need of care can receive it, Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage FOR IN HOSPITAL CARE. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons.
As further information is made available, I will be updating this site regularly. Please be sure to check it at least once or twice a week and before you need to engage in any medical care.
Thank you in advance for your 'patient patience' (:>D) as we go forward into uncharted territory. We realize these are restrictive measures but are vital to keep everyone (yourselves, the loved ones in your family and your health care providers) as healthy as possible. These are the measures determined by Ottawa Public Health and the Queensway-Carleton Hospital.
You can do your critical part by keeping social distancing. Wear a mask. Wash your hands regularly.
This too shall pass.
Yours in health,
Dr. Sunita Lal and Michelle
RESOURCE LINKS:
Ottawa Public Health
Public Health Association of Canada
Queensway Carleton Hospital
Information about Pregnancy and COVID (link from colleagues at Queen's University, Kingston ON)
Government of Canada Employment Insurance Information
BELOW HERE IS THE CONTENT OF OUR ORIGINAL (PRE-COVID) HOME PAGE:
WELCOME!
The goal of this site is to more effectively and efficiently communicate with patients while keeping you better informed about your health. This site presents general health information and is not meant to replace a consultation. Please print and bring along any information you wish to discuss to your next appointment.
TO ALL PATIENTS - PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE OFFICE POLICIES SECTION PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT. (Do not bring any food or drink into the office due to risk of allergies and to maintain a clean environment; please arrive 15 minutes prior to your first appointment; note our 48 business hour cancellation policy for all appointments; no strollers due to space limitations). Thank you for your assistance to keep the office clean for everyone and running smoothly.
If you are feeling ill (ie with symptoms of a cold) please reschedule your appointment. As well, if your child is home sick with you on the day of your appointment, please reschedule and don't bring your ill child to the clinic. 'Colds' can actually be due to viruses that can cause fetal complications. Not all pregnant women are immune to these viruses and exposure could potentially cause harm. Just as you would not wish to become ill from someone 'sick at the doctor's office' please treat others with the same respect.
For Health Information, please click on the Health Information tab in the upper right hand corner.
For QCH phone number and "when to go to the hospital" please click on the Dr Lal Medical Clinic tab in the upper right hand corner and then follow the links to Other Information.
WELCOME!
The goal of this site is to more effectively and efficiently communicate with patients while keeping you better informed about your health. This site presents general health information and is not meant to replace a consultation. Please print and bring along any information you wish to discuss to your next appointment.
TO ALL PATIENTS - PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE OFFICE POLICIES SECTION PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT. (Do not bring any food or drink into the office due to risk of allergies and to maintain a clean environment; please arrive 15 minutes prior to your first appointment; note our 48 business hour cancellation policy for all appointments; no strollers due to space limitations). Thank you for your assistance to keep the office clean for everyone and running smoothly.
If you are feeling ill (ie with symptoms of a cold) please reschedule your appointment. As well, if your child is home sick with you on the day of your appointment, please reschedule and don't bring your ill child to the clinic. 'Colds' can actually be due to viruses that can cause fetal complications. Not all pregnant women are immune to these viruses and exposure could potentially cause harm. Just as you would not wish to become ill from someone 'sick at the doctor's office' please treat others with the same respect.
For Health Information, please click on the Health Information tab in the upper right hand corner.
For QCH phone number and "when to go to the hospital" please click on the Dr Lal Medical Clinic tab in the upper right hand corner and then follow the links to Other Information.
News and Alerts Clinic Hours of Operation
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Pregnant patients please note:
THERE IS A PUBLIC WASHROOM ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE OFFICE. For urine specimens required in prenatal clinic, you are welcome to use the public washroom prior to your appointment. Alternatively, feel free to take a urine container home, "fill it enroute" on the day of your appointment and bring it in. If you are accessing the Birth Unit at QCH between 11 pm and 6 am, please enter the hospital through the Emergency Department doors until further notice. The main admitting doors are locked from 11 pm to 6 am. CHANGES TO VISITING POLICY - BIRTH UNIT QCH: Please see the link under Health Information tab (QCH Mother Baby Unit Visiting Hours) or click on the link below. http://www.qch.on.ca/Home.aspx?PageID=275&mid=_ctl0_MainMenu__ctl1-menuItem006-subMenu-menuItem003-subMenu-menuItem002 Pregnant past the first trimester? Please see your Family Physician for your flu shot or click on the link below for free flu shot clinics offered by the City of Ottawa. http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/flu-clinics |
Monday 830 to 400 Tuesday 830 to 400 Wednesday 830 to 400 Thursday 830 to 400 Friday 830 to 1200 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed I am taking new patients Please note the clinic can be reached during the above hours, however clinic times are subject to Dr. Lal's hospital, on-call and OR schedule. Please click "Dr. Lal Medical Clinic" if you wish to find more information on my clinic, on the upper right of the website. |