April 3, 2020 3:35 a.m.
Aviva Health has established a respiratory clinic for its patients who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
The clinic is being held at Aviva’s main facility on Kenneth Ford Drive just north of Roseburg.
A release from Aviva said its an effort focused on mitigating the unnecessary use of local emergency capacity and preserving rapidly dwindling supplies of Personal Protective Equipment like masks, gowns, goggles and gloves.
In addition, Aviva Health is now offering telehealth visits to its patients across the county, giving them access to care during while residents are instructed to stay home.
Aviva Health Chief Operating Officer Edward Larsen said the clinic and the telehealth services are two crucial steps being taken to combat the spread of coronavirus in the county. He said this should help ease demand for emergency department services, screen people who are symptomatic for coronavirus and ensure patients who are well continue to receive the preventative care they require at this time.
Larsen said the actions will conserve Aviva’s stock of PPE during a time when worldwide demand for protective medical equipment far exceeds supplies.
The release said people who present with a cough, fever or shortness of breath, will be evaluated in the respiratory clinic and counseled on what their next steps should be. That could range from self-care at home to a referral for COVID-19 testing available through Douglas Public Health. Aviva Health is not currently a COVID-19 testing site.
Aviva Health patients of all ages who are healthy and due for a well visit, can use telehealth services.
Aviva patients can schedule a respiratory clinic or telehealth visit, by calling 672-9596.