Newmarket’s Ray Twinney Complex offers ideal location for long-term expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations through phase one of the province’s roll-out plan and beyond
Southlake Regional Health Centre, in partnership with The Regional Municipality of York and the Town of Newmarket, opened a Vaccination Centre in the Town’s Ray Twinney Recreation Complex on Wednesday, January 6.
The facility can vaccinate 1,000 people per day initially with the potential capacity to expand operations in the weeks and months to come. The complex offers ample space to smoothly expand the Centre moving forward as part of the Ontario government’s vaccination implementation plan.
In keeping with the priority groups identified by the Ontario government, Southlake has been vaccinating staff and designated care providers of long-term care homes since December 23 and began vaccinating hospital staff this week, including those working at Markham Stouffville and Stevenson Memorial Hospitals. This will continue to be the focus in the near term.
Once long-term care and hospital staff have been vaccinated the focus will shift to health care workers in community settings and other first responders, as per provincial guidelines. After these groups are vaccinated, Public Health will lead mass community clinics with the help of Southlake, primary care and other providers as a team effort.
The Centre is not providing vaccination to the general public at this time. Watch for future updates from the Ontario government regarding when this will be available. To learn more visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario.
The hospital will continue leading vaccination efforts through the first phase of the implementation plan focused on healthcare workers.
This initiative is an example of the potential of better-connected care with partners in the Southlake Community Ontario Health Team pitching in to help operate the Centre, including York Region Paramedic Services helping administer vaccinations.
Everyone is encouraged to continue adhering to public health measures. Please continue to wear a mask, clean your hands regularly and limit your contact with others to the absolute minimum.
Quotes:
“Doing our part to ensure this is the largest vaccination campaign this country has ever seen, means that Southlake can return to normal business as soon as possible. The more people we vaccinate, the faster we’ll be able to get back to the surgeries we’ve had to postpone as a result of caring for the surging numbers patients with COVID-19.
“This vaccine is a turning point and as much as today is about looking forward with hope, it is also an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the partnerships we’ve forged throughout this pandemic. Today is another great example of what we can achieve when we work together, across the healthcare system and at every level of government.”
– Arden Krystal, President and CEO, Southlake Regional Health Centre
“I think it is critical to support the expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations in our community and it is great to see Town Staff mobilize so quickly to prepare space for this vaccination centre.
“The Ray Twinney Recreation Complex offers an ideal location to grow the vaccination clinic, first to protect more frontline workers and in the coming months to offer vaccines to protect you and your family.
“The Complex provides the space and parking to smoothly expand vaccinations as the province implements its plan. This means your family won’t have to wait when it’s their turn to get the vaccine.”
– John Taylor, Mayor, Town of Newmarket
“COVID-19 vaccines will serve as an important tool in helping stop the spread of the virus. I commend all of the front-line staff and our health system partners on their continued efforts to support the health and well-being of our residents and communities.”
– Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York
“Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health and historically has been one of the most effective ways of reducing the death and disability caused by disease.”
“We continue to make important progress alongside our partners in quickly and safely vaccinating our front-line health care workers, including residents and essential caregivers at York Region’s long-term care homes. As more vaccines become available, Public Health is ready with plans to distribute and administer the vaccine. Every resident in York Region who wishes to receive a vaccine will be offered the opportunity.”
– Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health, York Region Public Health
