From overcrowding to outbreaks, hospitals and clinics are being tested thoroughly by COVID-19. While small clinics may face fewer challenges than big hospitals, they’re also more vulnerable to disruptions related to the pandemic because they have fewer resources. That’s why such clinics need to adopt the right strategies during the pandemic.

#1 Partner with the Best Medical Courier

A great way to thrive during the pandemic is to partner with a good medical courier service that can deliver your important medical parcels on time. At R Courier – we’ve been serving the national and international medical community with our parcel delivery and medical courier services for nearly 30 years.

We’re insured, bonded, and fully computerized. Our couriers are polite, professional, highly trained and radio dispatched. We use the latest technology to help you stay on top of your deliveries. You can use our platform to register, take advantage of our GPS system, track your shipment on the ETA board, and access all your invoices for maximum efficiency.

If you’re looking for local medical courier services in Toronto – then you can certainly rely on R Courier. We’re based out of the city and are locally renowned for our excellent customer service. During the pandemic, we have served Public Health Toronto, Sunnybrook Hospital, and many health care facilities in the city of Scarborough.

#2 Improve Safety Protocols

Our couriers are trained to follow all safety protocols to help protect their families, friends, and clients. Likewise, it’s important for your small health care facility to follow all safety procedures by disinfecting packages and wearing PPE when receiving and opening them.

It’s also advisable for any small health care facility to strictly enforce safety protocols on visitors. Screening visitors at the door can consume valuable manpower. Instead, you can place a large sign at your entrance that clearly outlines all safety rules. Remember to enforce a zero-tolerance policy. Visitors who fail to heed safety protocols must be warned politely but firmly.

As a modest clinic with a small staff, you simply can’t afford for one of your valuable employees to get sick. Not only can this cause COVID-19 to spread, but it can leave your clinic with restaffing challenges.

#3 Invest in a Good Scheduling System

Studies suggest that the productivity and efficiency of small clinics are greatly impacted by a poor scheduling system. Instead of an unseasoned employee, hire an experienced professional to organize and run your scheduling. This can improve your patient flow and ease the burden on your valuable resources during an unpredictable time.

#4 Confirm Appointments

Not only are no-shows a waste of valuable time but they can be demoralizing for the staff of a small clinic, especially during a pandemic. Surprisingly, many clinics avoid confirming appointments because they feel that the task is too labour intensive. If your clinic lacks the resources to confirm every appointment, then focus on selected appointments that are likely to require more time. Similarly, confirm appointments from all new patients or those who have a history of breaking appointments.

#5 Modernize Your Services

If your health care facility lacks the resources to see every patient during the pandemic, then consider reducing your volume of walk-in clients. Instead of focusing on in-person care, modernize your services by revamping your website to offer online medical services. Your patients can get directly in touch with their health care provider through phone or video chat, while the doctor can schedule an in-person appointment if they deem it to be necessary.

#6 Diversify

Many small clinics have developed an additional revenue stream by diversifying their services. A popular option during the pandemic is to sell PPE equipment such as masks and hand sanitizers to patients. The demand for these products has only increased with many cities making masks mandatory. As always, you can rely on R Courier to deliver your shipment quickly and safely when your inventory is running low.

Small clinics face multiple challenges during a pandemic. But by being proactive, adaptable, and by choosing the right partners, they can improve their chances of thriving during this time.