Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society

News & Updates

COVID-19 Update for Myeloma Patients

SAMPS is dedicated to providing support and information to myeloma patients as they journey through the various stages of treatment. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has put an incredible stress on many areas of our health care system. Myeloma patients in Southern Alberta are particularly dependent on the Foothills Hospital campus, with the Tom Baker facility acting as the hub of treatment/ongoing care. SAMPS has become aware that the Foothills Hospital has implemented a number of changes to procedure and restrictions. The goal is to reduce community spread of COVID-19, along with protecting patients, staff and visitors alike. The changes we have become aware of include:

  1. The only entrances to the Foothills Hospital are the Emergency Entrance, and the Main Entrance.

  2. The hospital is no longer allowing visitors to inpatients.

  3. Every person entering the hospital will be screened for their temperature.

  4. For those of you with clinical appointments at the Tom Baker, there will be a number of changes to the standard protocol:

    1. All appointments will be sent out by mail. Please do not approach the counter to make an appointment.

    2. All patients will be screened by phone a day or two in advance. This is to make certain that they are fit to come in for their appointment.

  5. Many doctors are performing virtual clinical assessments rather than in office assessments. Oral medications will be couriered out to patients. IV treatments will be provided as normal.

  6. If you require laboratory testing, make certain that the laboratory location is set up to provide the test to immunocompromised patients. The in-hospital labs have this capability, as well as the Market Mall location. Please check with any other location to ensure that they can provide this level of care.

  7. Most clinical trial patients will be seen as usual.

We hope this information is helpful for you. Please be aware that the above changes are time sensitive, and that additional changes may be implemented at any time. We will make you aware of any additional measures, as the information passes along to us.

Stay well to all.

Angela Craig