Wello and RBC partner to support Canadian small businesses navigating COVID‐19

Virtual healthcare services and free resources to support employers now available.

TORONTO, April 21, 2020 /CNW/ - Wello and RBC are expanding their existing partnership to offer support to businesses in Canada navigating health and wellness challenges during these unprecedented times. This includes offering RBC business clients the use of Wello, a telemedicine platform that connects business owners and their employees with health practitioners 24/7 by phone, video and secure messaging.

"Our health system is focused on addressing the COVID‐19 pandemic, asking Canadians to maintain physical distancing to limit the spread," says Vince Danielsen, CEO of Wello. "Having employees connect with medical experts through Wello reduces the demand for face‐to‐face appointments, and ensures employees get access to reliable and timely support for acute and chronic health needs, while staying safe at home."

Wello provides business owners with low‐cost, convenient access to high‐quality professional care, ensuring employees are kept well over the long‐term. Through a dedicated network of healthcare practitioners, users of Wello have 24/7 access to physical and mental health resources like prescription and medical referrals, consultations on chronic health conditions, mental health support, health education and coaching, and elder, child and infant care.

"In a very short period of time, many Canadian businesses were forced into a zero revenue environment and that is creating anxiety and uncertainty for owners and their employees," said Greg Grice, Executive Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. "One of the ways we can help clients adjust to this new reality is through the mental and physical health support resources offered by Wello to ensure clients and their employees are cared for during these times."

The virtual healthcare company is also providing resources to the public via their free COVID‐19 Resource Hub.This includes weekly live webinars hosted by clinical experts, including Dr. Wendy Smeltzer, a practicing family physician and Wello's Medical Director.

Business leaders looking for guidance on how to educate and support their employees during the pandemic, and employees seeking health support, mental health resources, and general tips for keeping well, are encouraged to visit www.wello.ca for more information.

Recognizing the challenges small business owners are facing, RBC and Wello are providing small business clients access to the service at no charge for 60‐days. Clients interested in learning more about how to sign up for Wello and to take advantage of the offer can visit RBC Offers for Business in RBC Online Banking or www.wello.ca

About Wello
Wello is a leading Canadian provider of anytime, anywhere virtual healthcare services. Wello services are available through phone and video visits as well as secure webchat. Backed by a 40‐year history of providing high‐quality healthcare through it's parent company, INLIV, Wello can be offered as part of a company's health benefits for its employees, as well as through individual and family plans, available at www.wello.ca.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose‐driven, principles‐led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 85,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

SOURCE Wello

Media contact: Megan Stangl, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, [email protected]