Online booking system for drive-thru COVID-19 test stalling for some

The Ottawa Hospital is working to fix an apparent glitch that's preventing some people from booking a COVID-19 test at the city's newest drive-thru site on Coventry Road.

Anyone wanting a test at the drive-thru site must go online to book an appointment ahead of time, but it seems it hasn't been that easy for everyone.

Orlans resident Stan Blythe estimates he's tried between 50 and 60 times since Saturday morning to book an appointment.

It's kind of infuriating.- Stan Blythe

"It's kind of infuriating," Blythe said. "You fill in all your personal information... andthen say,'OKbook it,'and every time you do say 'book it,'it just recycles back to ask you for information again."

Hospital apologizes for inconvenience

Both the testing site and the online booking platform are managed by The Ottawa Hospital along with its partners.

In a statement to CBC, the hospital said it's"aware of some technical issues with the booking website" and is working to resolve them.

"As the website was launched last week, staff anticipated that there would be a period of adjustment to volumes of residents booking appointments, and available bookings are gradually increasing as staff optimize processes at thecentre," the statement said.

"We apologize for the inconvenience, and thank everyone for their patience while we address this."

Difficulty booking drive-thru COVID-19 test infuriating for Ottawa resident

4 years ago

Duration 0:36

Stan Blythe, who lives in Orlans, says hes tried over 50 times to book an appointment at Ottawas drive-thru COVID-19 test centre, but hasnt been successful.

Isolating at home

Blythe said he's been feeling unwelland doesn't feel strong enough to stand in long lines outside COVID-19 assessment centres elsewhere in the city.

Until he can get an appointment for a drive-thru test,Blythe plans to remain in isolationat home.

"I have to, just becauseIdon't really want to take a chance [of] making somebody else sick," he said.

Blythe said he's been hoping to get tested so he can see his young granddaughter before she heads back to school next week.

"If Ican get testedand find out Idon't actually have COVID, then that's great, and I can see my granddaughter this weekend. But if I can't, I've just got to isolate, and that's kind of a burden," he said.

Drive-thru COVID-19 assessment centre opens in Ottawa

4 years ago

Duration 0:56

Alan Forster, vice-president of innovation and quality at The Ottawa Hospital, says the new site will offer more efficient testing, though the focus is on asymptomatic patients rather than those with COVID-19 symptoms.