I began my COVID journey in March of 2020, with the incredible Victoria Hospital team working to establish a drive-through testing site at MPI-Bison. Once the Bison site was set up and operational, I was asked to continue to support as WRHA Operations Lead for COVID Testing & Assessment with a small but mighty team from WRHA Primary Care Operations. 

Within the first six months of COVID, we set up a few different testing locations, some were temporary, and others became our permanent homes for testing.

 It took the efforts of many individuals, community partners, volunteers, and different programs to convert these sites into testing facilities. We set up a total of eight sites and decommissioned four during my time as Operations Lead. 

Our WRHA testing sites for many months into the pandemic were one of the limited options for testing, and our site staff worked tirelessly to manage the demand. We established and managed the COVID Response Unit (CRU), which continues to centrally manage referrals for COVID assessment appointments, homebound referrals for testing, and immunizations and is the central hub for staffing the WRHA testing sites. 

 My time as Operations Lead lasted 17 months before I accepted another opportunity. As I reflect on my time with the COVID response team, I am humbled by everyone I worked with so closely, and I have a very special appreciation for those who worked the front lines of testing. Without hesitation, fears set aside; many kind-hearted heroes quietly worked endless hours to make the impossible, possible.

Teri Greenwood
Operations Lead, WRHA, COVID Testing & Assessment

To support the well-being of staff at Victoria Hospital and ACCESS Fort Garry, please make a gift today to our COVID-19 Critical Response Fund.