BY CHRISTEL ALLISON
Navigating through life as a new college student can be difficult. Here at Conestoga College, accessing health care should not be one of your difficulties.
The Health Services office provides health care and health education to all registered students and has three part-time doctors, a nurse and an administrator. Doctors are available Tuesdays to Fridays every week.
The first thing you need to know is that your privacy is respected. It is a little discomforting to have to share certain details with strangers but Lyndsay Enright, the nurse on staff, and Peggy Ventura, the administrator, have your best interest at heart.
“I want students to be upfront with us,” said Enright. “Come in and tell us exactly what they need and why they’re here. There’s no reason to be embarrassed because Peggy and I have heard it all. We just want to help.”
According to Enright, most students think that when they opt out of the health plan through CSI they can’t use the health services at the college but that is false.
“We work with OHIP, and GuardMe for international students,” said Enright.
As a new patient, you will have to fill out some paperwork and for every visit after that, you need to bring your health card or insurance. The office works on an appointment basis and because of this, you need to schedule an appointment at least 24 hours ahead of time. There are occasional walk-ins spots but they fill up really fast so there’s no guarantee.
There are no extra fees. However, there is a $30 no-show fee so, if you can’t make your appointment, you have to cancel it at least 24 hours before. Also, if you need a sick note it will cost $10 and a note for your employer ranges from $10 to $25 because those are not covered by the CSI health plan, OHIP or GuardMe.
Usually, the first few weeks in September, October and February are the busiest. During these periods, it is best to book an appointment more than 24 hours ahead of time to ensure that you get a timeslot that works for you.
“We always have tampons and pads on-hand,” said Enright. “If anyone ever needs feminine hygiene products, they can come down and pick them up.”
Students can also pick up condoms, Tylenol and even sunscreen in the summer.
In addition to seeing students who aren’t feeling well, the department does gonorrhea, chlamydia and general STI testing and treatment.
Health Services is there to help students but you actually need to be honest and ask for the help. For more information, go to Room 1A102 on the Doon campus or call 519-748-5220, ext. 3679.
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