Osler expands COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinic hours

New hours increase capacity for COVID-19 testing in Brampton

William Osler Health System (Osler) has increased the hours of operation for its COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinic located at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial). The Clinic, which is dedicated to testing, assessing and providing care to people who meet both the COVID-19 testing criteria and who have cold, flu-like and possible COVID-19 symptoms, is now open daily, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. No appointment is needed.

“With cold and flu season underway and a growing number of COVID-19 cases in the community, Osler is committed to supporting the region’s collective efforts to combat the virus by ensuring Brampton residents have access to convenient testing options,” said Kiki Ferrari, Chief Operating Officer. “The Clinic’s expanded hours of operation will enable us to test and care for more people daily, which is critical to managing the spread of the virus and supporting the health and safety of people in Brampton.”

The COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinic, which was one of the first to open in Ontario, is an important part of Osler’s comprehensive COVID-19 response. Symptoms of COVID-19, the cold and the flu are very similar and testing is the best way to diagnose which of these illnesses a person may have. The Clinic also provides an option for care outside of Osler’s Emergency Departments, which increases the hospital’s ability to provide care for people with non-COVID related illnesses.

“At a time when our Emergency Departments – like others across the province – typically see an increase in the number of patients seeking care for flu-like illnesses, we are pleased to provide an alternative for care,” said Ferrari. “Our goal is to reduce barriers to COVID-19 testing and care, so it was important for Osler to provide the convenience of longer operating hours at the COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinic.”

Osler has now performed more than 245,000 COVID-19 tests – the most of any hospital in Ontario. Osler’s COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Centres in Brampton (South Fletcher’s Sportsplex) and Etobicoke (Queen’s Plate Drive and Highway 27) continue to operate, serving people who meet the criteria for testing by appointment. The Testing Centres are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

What do I need to know about Osler’s COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinic?

• The Clinic is located at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness at 20 Lynch Street in Brampton, and occupies the temporarily-closed Urgent Care Centre space. The Clinic operates seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Appointments are not required.
• Measures are in place to ensure the safety of patients, staff and physicians. Patients will be provided with and required to wear masks and use hand sanitizer prior to entering the Clinic.
• The Urgent Care Centre at Peel Memorial remains temporarily closed. If you require emergency care, always call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Osler’s Emergency Departments remain open 24/7 to provide urgent and emergency care.