I usually go for my blood tests a few times a year at the CLSC René Cassin at Quartier Cavendish. In the past year they extended their hours from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, to 11:30 am, and added the two weekend days. It could not have been better. Then COVID-19 hit and people like me avoided locations like this and put blood tests on hold.à
The fact that my last set of tests were some eight months ago concerned me, so today I went back with my requisitions. I was told that some people were arriving as early as 6 am to get a good timeslot, many of whom not properly social distancing. That was not a route I chose. I turned up at 7:30 am by which time the herd of masked men and women were told to leave the inside of the building and form a line outdoors. I waited until the line disappeared and the security guard handed me a piece of paper with a number and a 9:30 am appointment time.
I returned at that time, was told to go inside and the process from there went fairly quickly. Only one person having blood drawn at a time. But with a second wave coming, the CIUSS West Central Montreal has just announced a new appointment only procedure. This will ensure that they can allow enough space for distancing by having as few people as possible in the waiting rooms. Walk-in visits will no longer be permitted.
As of August 10, anyone who wants to make an appointment at one of the CLSC test centres to have blood drawn or other samples tested must go to CLICSANTE.CA. Then they should choose “Blood test and specimens” and enter their postal code. Clic Santé will propose an appointment, which may not be for the same day. Since some people may find it difficult to gain access to this website, and in order to ensure a smooth transition, the CLSCs can also be phoned to book an appointment.
A statement I received says: “We understand that getting used to this change may take some time. However, given our new reality, it is important for us to implement this new system now, so that we can provide the best possible protection for our users, staff and visitors. Users can call the CLSC if they have any questions about the new appointment system.”
Bravo for a wise decision.
Here are the Test Centre locations
CLSC René Cassin
5800 Cavendish Boulevard
Montreal, Quebec H4W 2T5
514-484-7878
CLSC Benny Farm
6484 Monkland Avenue
Montreal, Quebec H4B 1H3
514-484-7878
CLSC Parc-Extension
7085 Hutchison Street
Montreal, Quebec H3N 1Y9
514-273-9591
CLSC Metro
1801 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West
Montreal, Quebec H3H 1J9
514-934-0354
