Continuity of Care During COVID-19 Pandemic

Notice to College Members

April 14, 2020

The College has received calls of concern from patients who are unable to reach their physicians to discuss current or previous health problems that may need follow-up.

The College expects family physicians and specialists to have their offices organized to facilitate contact with their patients.  This should include the ability to speak to physicians during regular office hours and/or leave a message which will be received, reviewed, and actioned in a timely manner appropriate to the nature of the problem.  Coordination with other team members or colleagues to manage the responsibility may facilitate organization of work.

Abruptly closing your practice and abandoning your patients is not appropriate or consistent with the College’s expectations of physicians.   

These are challenging times for all.  We need to continue to care for each other.