Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre (Petawawa)

COVID Testing

COVID-19 Operational and Administrative testing

There exists a separate procedure for Operational and Administrative testing. As testing turnaround times vary, we will require maximum notice regarding travel and deployments to ensure results are available in time for the anticipated travel. The average turnaround time for test results is now 48-72 hours and will need to be factored into the planning process. Requests for rapid testing should be indicated as such and will be approved on a case by case basis.

Operational Testing will be available through booked appointments only. Unit Ops will need to complete the COVID-19 Testing request form and email it to ++2 Fd Amb GS Coy Ops & Trg-2 Amb C Cie GS Ops & Instr@2 Fd Amb-2 Amb C@Petawawa for processing.

Requests for Symptomatic Testing or “Special Requirement” Testing shall be coordinated thru Unit Adjutant or delegate to the Base Surgeon as directed by the Garrison Petawawa Quick-Reference COVID-19 Tool.

Location: Base Medical Clinic

Requirement: Military ID on pers. Current FHPMs will be adhered to.

Contact/Query: Sgt Pret-Lescard, OPI COVID-19 Testing

Phone: 613-687-5511 ext. 242-4106 / BB: 613-281-1634

COVID-19 Vaccine

To book a COVID-19 vaccine first/second or booster dose appointment, entitled CAF members can contact the clinic.

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4147

Entitled members include:

• Regular Force
• Res Force Class B (greater than 180 days)/Class C
• Other (as per DHSO guidance and approval)

Appointments will be held at the CAF HS C Petawawa clinic. 

If, under extenuating circumstances, members cannot make their appointment they should contact 613-687-5511 ext 242-4147 as soon as possible.

Proof of Vaccination

For QR Code Inquiries, contact Medical Records. 

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4156
Email: ++2 Fd Amb Health Records-2 Amb C Dossiers de santé@2 Fd Amb-2 Amb C@Petawawa

Any of the following remain valid as proof of COVID vaccination for CAF members: 

• Vaccination booklets
• International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
• Vaccination record slips
• Vaccination record business cards

Members can refer to the following link for more information:

COVID-19 vaccines for Defence Team members - Canada.ca

For more information about the vaccine rollout please visit:

• FAQ: COVID-19 Vaccine 
• What to expect at your COVID-19 vaccine appointment

Medical Finance – Blue Cross

Medical Finance (Bldg P-144 Room 1027) at the Garrison Clinic will be implementing changes to its service model in accordance with the Clinic’s pandemic Business Continuity Plan and Reduced Physical Presence posture.

Hours of Operation

In-Person Counter Service: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 0830-1500hrs

Email/Phone Service: Monday to Friday, 0830-1500hrs 

Services

The medical finance section can assist you in obtaining reimbursement for your medical expenses or by emailing scans to the Health Services Clerk in Contact Information.

A friendly reminder that the CAF has implemented changes to the optical policy in 2019, so patients are encouraged to review entitlements  Optical Supplies and Services (mil.ca)

and to ensure they have obtained from Medical Finance the information package with instructions for reimbursement/submission before proceeding with an eye exam or glasses purchase (see attached).

Contact Information

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4152

Email: chantal.dube@forces.gc.ca

Note: If utilizing the Email/Phone service offering digital copies of the information package and requisite forms for your selected service will be provided when you contact the office, but are also available in printed hard copy at the service counter. 

Medical Travel

Patient Travel (Bldg P-144 Room 1027) at the Base Clinic will be implementing changes to its service model in accordance with the Clinic's pandemic Business Continuity Plan and Reduced Physical Presence posture.

Hours of Operation

In-Person Counter Service: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 0830-1500hrs

Email/Phone Service: Monday to Friday, 0830-1500hrs 

Contact Information

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4150

Email: james.abramczyk@forces.gc.ca

1. For appointments within the geographical area

   In the event that you are unable to obtain transportation to your local appointment it is your responsibility to report to your Unit Orderly Room to make such arrangements.

   *IAW ADM (HR-MIL) Instruction 08/05 (accessible only on the National Defence network)

   Authority for compensation of local health-related travel within the geographical boundaries of a member's support base/wing rests with the member's base/wing commander.

2. For appointments outside geographical area

   All members are required to report to the Garrison Medical Clinic Primary Care Nurse (PCN) as soon as they know the date/time of the upcoming appointment (minimum 3-5 days in advance) for an MTA and travel instructions. Options for travel are as follows:

   A. Medical / Dental Run (MDR)

   The Medical Dental Run (MDR) is a transportation service offered by the Clinic for military patients travelling to Ottawa. Mbr's MUST be added to the roster at least 2 days prior of intended travel. The PCN will authorize the booking on the MDR through the MTA form sent to the Travel Clerk.

   - MDR 1 departs 0630hrs from bldg P-144 Main Entrance. (returns once all mbrs have been picked up from their appointments).

   NOTE: Patients are required to maximize the use of the MDR and schedule their out of town appointments, whenever possible, in a manner which will effectively use the service.

   B. DND Vehicle (Staff Car)

   When a patient's appointment is outside the normal hours of the MDR or it has been determined by a Clinician that the patient requires individual travel means, a staff car may be authorized. It is the Home Unit's responsibility to provide a driver/escort for the patient if required.  The Travel Claims Clerk will make the necessary arrangements with Base Transport to request vehicle. Requests MUST be obtained through the MTA form at least 2 days prior to intended travel.

   C. POMV

   When the member chooses to do so, or when pre-authorize by a Clinician due to clinical requirements, a patient may take their own vehicle to the appointment. There will be no financial reimbursement for travel unless POMV is pre-authorized by a Clinician. Member's choice to use POMV when other methods of travel could have been used, will not be reimbursed.  POMV may also be authorized if the patient, by order of a clinician, requires an escort who may or may not be civilian.  The patient may be entitled to meals depending on the appointment timing.

   NOTE: For ALL METHODS OF TRAVEL, a pre-authorization form signed by Clinician is required in order to receive travel reimbursement.

3. Medical Escorts

   As directed by a Clinician with a pre-authorization form, a patient may require an Escort for a medical appointment.  It is the Home Unit's responsibility to provide this escort if the patient cannot provide.

4. Overnight Accommodations

   When determined necessary due to the patients individual medical needs, The Clinician may authorized an overnight stay in the appointment location.

   Reimbursement of overnight accommodations will be based off the Max City Rate limit as determined by the Government Accommodation Directory.

   Appointments scheduled prior to 0700 in Ottawa, may be eligible for an overnight accommodation the night prior depending on the patients individual medical needs.

Medical Records

Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre Petawawa

Hours of operation

Monday to Friday 0730-1530hrs

Closed 1230-1300 for Lunch

Point of contact

Head of Medical Records Department

Julia Bell

Email: julia.bell@forces.gc.ca

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-1456

Fax: (613) 588-6952

Medical Records Reception

CDU 1: Julia Bell

Email:  julia.bell@forces.gc.ca

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4156

Rm: 1056B

CDU 2: Mylène Turner

Email:   mylene.turner@forces.gc.ca

Phone:   (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4237

Rm: 1056B

CDU 3: Stephanie Plebon

Email: stephanie.plebon@forces.gc.ca

Phone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4237

Rm: 1056B

How to obtain copies of medical records

To obtain a copy of your FULL medical record please submit your request through Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP), which can be found on the Access to Information Website.

To obtain partial copies of your medical record you can report to the Health Records Department Located at:

Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre (Petawawa)

Bldg P-144

Rooms # 1056B

Or send an email to:

++2 Fd Amb Health Records-2 Amb C Dossiers de santé@2 Fd Amb-2 Amb C@Petawawa

Medical Requests for Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs Claims (VAC) is able to access member medical files. On initial claim submit the date of injury as required. There is NO NEED to provide copies from your medical record file as they collect a complete copy. Obtaining hard copies of medical files for VAC will not get the claim processed any faster.

If you have any questions please contact the health records department and we can assist you the best we can.

OUTCAN screenings

Please see link for OUTCAN Postings (accessible only on the National Defence network).

All CAF Dental Detachments provide 24 hour/7 days a week service. When in the Petawawa area and outside of regular working hours dental service can be obtained by contacting the Petawawa Garrison Duty Centre, GEM Frederick Gate at (613) 687-5511 ext 5611 to reach the Duty Dental Team.

Treatment provided by a civilian practitioner outside the above guidelines is subject to the conditions outlined in CFAO 35-3.

Dental enrolment and re-enrolment exams are mandatory for Regular Force members and are available by appointment at their respective dental clinic.

If you are a member of the reserve force and require an enrolment exam (for members on Class B (over 180 days) or Class C service, or active aircrew), or on other occasions as required, contact the dental clinic to schedule an appointment.

Release exams are not mandatory. However, for members desiring an exam prior to release, an appointment can be scheduled during normal clinic hours.

IMPORTANT: Release does not provide any priority for completion of outstanding treatment. There is no required condition of dental fitness upon release. Unfinished work will not be completed beyond a member's effective date of release.

Screening exams for military members are provided Monday to Friday during normal clinic hours and require scheduled appointments.

Screening exams for dependants and other civilians are not provided by the CAF Dental Detachment. Such screenings must be completed in accordance with CFAO 35-5

All CAF members are reminded that it is ultimately the member's responsibility to ensure they obtain a Phase One exam.

Unit Command Teams are reminded they have a responsibility to ensure their personnel are deployable and dentally fit.

All regular force members, reserve class "C", and reserve class "B">180 days can receive a Phase One exam in accordance with QR&O 35.04

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 0730 – 1200hrs, and 1300 – 1500hrs.

If mbr received telehealth care, mbr is to present to their CDU at P-144 to obtain their requisition.

Contact Information

Phone: 613-876-5511 ext 242-4137.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 0800-1200hrs

The lab hours have been reassessed and it has been concluded that they will continue as such until further notice.

Appointments

If a lab requisition is required, mbr is to contact their CDU for screening first.

If mbr has their lab requisition, they can check-in at the lab, close to the Commissionaire service desk.

Contact Information

Phone: 613-687-5511 ext 242-4111.

Hours of Operation

Medication pick-ups will be between Monday to Friday 0745 – 1200hrs and 1300 – 1500hrs at the Garrison Medical Clinic pharmacy window (building P-144 main entrance, past Allergy & Immunization).

Prescriptions & Over-The-Counter (OTC) renewals ordered by phone only 613-687-5511 ext 6188.

All orders will require 2 business days to process.

Hours of Operation

New Injuries: Teletriage/Sick Parade via appropriate CDU (see Health Service Support, Primary Care updates for details)

Follow-up/Appointments/Other Issues: call 613-687-5511 ext 242-4125/242-4126 for appointment (Mon-Fri, 0730 – 1200 and 1300 – 1530 hrs)

Physiotherapy

The mission of physiotherapy in the Canadian Armed Forces is to deliver quality services by assessing, educating and treating people with musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory impairments, functional limitations and disabilities. To accomplish this, we employ a variety of treatments including: therapeutic exercises, postural and ergonomic training, joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue techniques, acupuncture, electrical modalities and hydrotherapy.

Occupational Therapy

The CAF Occupational Therapy (CFOT) program is committed to providing quality home, clinic, and work/unit rehabilitation to CAF personnel. The CFOT Program objective is to provide recovery, restoration and return to duty services to military personnel in order to assist them in reaching their highest level of independent functioning in everyday essential activities. The primary goal of CFOT is to assist members in participating in their rehabilitation plans, focusing on self-management and functional outcomes through a comprehensive approach, often within a multidisciplinary team.

Our Occupational Therapists also employ a variety of treatments including ergonomics assessments, functional ability evaluations (FAEs), concussion treatments, orthotic fabrication and return to duty programs.

Mental Health Intake

MH Intake Services are often the first point of contact for CAF members seeking mental health care at CAF Health Services Centre (Petawawa). Employing a team of MH nurses, MH Intake Services offer same-day walk-in services or telehealth appointments for CAF members seeking MH care. After conducting an intake, the MH nurse will collaborate with the patient to develop a care plan, liaise with the member’s Primary Care clinician and facilitate referral to the appropriate mental health service in the MH Services dept. To access MH Intake Services, please report to the CDUs (Bldg P-144). 

Psychosocial Services are available at CAF Health Services Centre (Petawawa) to help CAF members deal with issues such as family-related concerns, and compassionate posting issues. Social Workers staff the Psychosocial Services Program and are located in the MH department in Bldg P-144. CAF members may be referred by MH Intake Services or Primary Care clinicians.

The following services are available through the Psychosocial Services Program:

The OTSSC program offers clinical assessment and treatment for various psychological, psychiatric, and substance-related issues that may or may not be linked to military taskings and operational deployments. This team of Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Clinical Chaplain provides specialized treatment for traumatic stress injuries. Referrals to the OTSSC must come from a Primary Care clinician (PA, NP, MD). Self-referral will not be accepted. For more information, please contact the GMH Program Manager at phone number 242-4100.

The GMH program offers assessment and treatment for all other psychological, psychiatric, and substance-related issues. They are located in the MH department on the second floor of Bldg P-144, past the Physiotherapy department.

• The GMH Program is an interdisciplinary team consisting of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Addictions Counsellors, and Clinical Chaplains.
• Referrals to GMH must come from a Primary Care clinician (PA, NP, MD). Self-referral will not be accepted.
• Referrals for diagnostic assessments are assigned to appropriate teams and patients are accordingly scheduled for an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist. A diagnostic impression and treatment recommendations are provided to the patient and the referring Primary Care clinician.
• Diagnostic assessments are being conducted primarily either in person or virtual platforms (eg. telephone/televideo), due to the current COVID-19 posture. A need for any in-person assessments will be determined by the assessing clinician.
• Referrals for External Provision of Care (e.g. psychotherapy) are also received and processed from Primary Care and Mental Health services.
• Community providers are also using virtual platforms which may vary from provider to provider and may involve video and/or telephone sessions for their individual, couple or group therapy.

If you require additional information, please call (613) 687-5511 Ext 242-4100.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 0730 - 1600hrs

Available for consultation to CAF HS C (Pet) and outlying satellite clinic staff.

Any questions or concerns regarding Brigade or Base Infection Prevention and Control should be redirected to PMed.

IPAC Mission

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) is dedicated to preventing infections which may be acquired within health care facilities.

Our mission is to promote IPAC best practice in Primary and Ambulatory Care, through development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies designed to prevent the transmission of infections. 

IPAC roles and responsibilities at the CAF HS C (Pet) clinic

• Consultation
• Education
• Surveillance
• Research
• Outbreak management
• Construction and renovation risk management
• Reviews (Infection Control Practices)
• Policy interpretation and recommendations

We serve as professional technical advisors with regard to Healthcare Associated Infections and emerging IPAC issues. This includes advising and liaising with CAF HS C (Pet) Patient Safety Officers to investigate IPAC related patient safety concerns and serving as a member of the local Joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee.

IPAC integral competencies

• Knowledge of infectious disease processes & microbiology
• Routine practices and additional precautions
• Auditing & surveillance
• Principles of epidemiology
• Research utilization and education principles

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 0730 -1530 hrs (closed 1200 -1300 hrs)

Services

Preventive Medicine (PMed) provides advice to base members and units on all matters relating to public health, hygiene and sanitation, immunization recommendations and occupational health and safety. These services include hygiene inspections, communicable disease tracking and consultation, testing of air quality, mould investigation, indoor pest investigation, environmental surveys (sound surveys, illumination surveys and indoor air quality) and providing travel health information related to deployments and leisure travel. 

Routine issues will be scheduled as appointments become available and can be submitted via email: +PMED Trouble Desk@ 2 Fd Amb@Petawawa.

Urgent issues will be assessed and given priority as received via PMed Duty Personnel at Tel: 613-732-6163.

Contact Information

PMed general inquiries: 613-687-5511 ext 242-4132

• PMed I/C:        Ext 242-4129
• PMed 2 I/C:     Ext 242-4145
• PMed Tech:     Ext 242-4135
• PMed Tech:     Ext 242-4133
• PMed Tech:     Ext 242-4134

Email:  +PMED Trouble Desk@ 2 Fd Amb@Petawawa

Hours of Operation

Monday to Thursday 0800-1500 hrs (closed between 1200-1300hrs), and Friday from 0800-1200.

Phone: 613-687-5511 ext 242-4147

Services Offered

Allergy Desensitization Therapy (Immunotherapy)

Patients require referral from their Primary Care Provider at their respective CDU to an allergist prior to commencing allergy desensitization therapy within Community Health.

• Pre-seasonal, annual and perennial desensitization clinics

Immunizations

Individual appointments for immunizations can be made directly with CH during regular hours of operation. All services by appt only.

• DAG vaccination for North American, Deployment and High Readiness Standards
• OUTCAN / Isolated INCAN screenings
• Leisure travel vaccination
• Release appointments
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination
• Influenza (Flu) vaccination clinics
• COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Hours of Operation

Sick Parade Hours: By Appointment Monday to Friday 0730hrs - 1000hrs 

Booked Appointment Hours: Monday to Friday 0830hrs - 1530hrs

The CDU is an interdisciplinary team of military and civilian health care providers who work collaboratively to meet the health needs of its CAF members and units, ensuring seamless continuity of care over time.

Below are a few elements that constitute the CDU.

Services

Contact Information

CDU 1

• (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4197/242-4198
• Fax : (613) 588-4880
  • +2 Fd Amb CDU 1 | 2 Amb C UPSS 1@2 Fd Amb-2 Amb C@Petawawa CDU1_UPSS1@forces.gc.ca

CDU 2

• (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4214/242-4216
• Fax : (613) 588-4888
  • +2 Fd Amb CDU 2 | 2 Amb C UPSS 2@2 Fd Amb-2 Amb C@Petawawa CDU2_UPSS2@forces.gc.ca

CDU 3 

• (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4228/242-4229 
• Fax : (613) 588-4899
  • +2 Fd Amb CDU 3 | 2 Amb C UPSS 3@2 Fd Amb-2 Amb C@Petawawa CDU3_UPSS3@forces.gc.ca

Case Management

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 0730-1530 hrs

Services

Case Management (CM) is the professional practice approach used by health systems to improve continuity of care, reduce health care costs, enhance clinical conditions, prevent costly complications, reduce duplication and gaps in services, strengthen informal support networks, and improve an individual’s satisfaction with health care.

CM does not replace any primary care services, but rather is designed to co-ordinate multiple services provided to an individual. It is a process model that provides a mechanism for managing cases across the continuum of care, thereby providing a seamless, integrated care process.

Both regular and primary reserve force personnel who are being medically released, have been placed on a permanent or temporary medical category, and/or have complex health care needs, are eligible for the Nurse Case Management Program via referral from a treating clinician.

Contact Information

Telephone: (613) 687-5511 ext 242-4141

Email: CASE.MNGT@forces.gc.ca

Nurse Case Management (NuCM)

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 0730-1600 hrs

What is Case Management?

Case Management is a collaborative and client centered process for providing services associated with the coordination of health care, health care related activities and benefits for ill and injured CAF members.

Who is a Nurse Case Manager?

A Nurse Case Manager is a degree prepared registered nurse who is part of the primary care team within the Canadian Forces Health Services.

What Do Nurse Case Managers do?

Nurse Case Managers assist members to navigate the health care system by coordinating their care as they return to duty or transition to civilian life and the provincial health care system

What are the benefits?

• You will learn more about CAF services, programs and benefits available to you.
• Your health care needs will be monitored and coordinated to ensure continuity.
• If you are medically releasing, the Nurse Case Manager will provide support and guidance on how to access civilian health care.   
• You may receive assistance in applying for related benefits.

Who is eligible and how is a member referred?

Canadian Armed Forces members who have complex health care needs and/or are medically releasing. Referrals are completed by the primary care clinician or Garrison Surgeon.