A COVID-19 assessment clinic that has been in operation for more than two years is set to move out of the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre, clearing the way for a return of recreation programs at the site.
The assessment clinic will be relocating to the London Health Sciences Centre's (LHSC) Victoria Hospital on Monday.
The COVID testing facility has been in operation at the community centre since March 2020 and was one of two sites swabbing for the virus during the initial waves. In that time it has provided services to more than 228,000 people. During its peak, the centre accommodated 600 patients a day. However, since the provincial government changed who is eligible to receive a PCR test the clinic now only serves about 60 patients per day.
"The Carling Heights Centre allowed us to successfully manage high volumes of testing throughout the pandemic,” said Assessment Centre Director Kim Planques. “I know occupying this space was not a small ask, but it played such an important role in keeping this community safe. I am incredibly grateful for the support we received from our community partners and the residents of Carling Heights."
The assessment centre, while providing a much needed service to the community, did take a toll on the building itself, the city confirmed on Thursday.
An initial assessment has found the building will need to undergo floor repairs and replacements, the pool, electrical and mechanical systems will need to be inspected, and the facility and HVAC system given a "thorough deep cleaning".
"Our commitment is to do this work as quickly as possible. If we can offer any limited free drop-in programs in the earlier stages of the assessments and repairs, we will do that," said Jon-Paul McGonigle, the city's director of recreation and sport. “This is a priority for us, but it is also critical that we are offering a safe facility for all.”
As it stands now, the city expects the community centre to reopen by October 3.
"We are deeply grateful to the community, especially the neighbourhoods surrounding the centre, for their patience over the past two-and-a-half years,” said McGonigle. “Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre is a recreation staple in London, and we are excited to get to work to be able to offer programs at this facility again.”
A welcome back event will be held at the facility later this fall.
The relocated assessment centre at Victoria Hospital will be open from 9:20 a.m. to 6:40 p.m., seven days a week.