COVID-19 RESPIRATORY CLINICS OPEN IN YOUNG AND COWRA
Residents in Young and Cowra have access to a GP-led respiratory clinics as part of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the clinics were among more than 100 Commonwealth-funded clinics being opened around Australia to assess patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 like symptoms.
“The GP-led clinics will help reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other general practices,” Mr McCormack said.
“Rural and regional residents deserve health care services which are just as good as those provided in our major cities and the national roll-out of these new clinics is part of addressing that.
“These respiratory clinics will be vital in the fight against COVID-19 and anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and other respiratory symptoms should be tested to help avoid the risk of infection in our local communities.”
Mr McCormack said opening of the Young and Cowra clinics followed the opening of clinics in Gundagai and Tumut and Wagga Wagga on 15 April.
Young general practitioner, Dr Asitha Wickramaratne, said the Young clinic would be located at the Boorowa Street Medical Practice.
“Where possible we would like to see all patients with any respiratory-type symptoms in the GP respiratory clinic,” Dr Wickramaratne said.
“If you are attending for another issue, but have a cough or cold, please come to the respiratory clinic.
“We want to ensure that our regular GP clinics are kept as safe as possible for non-infectious patients to attend.
“The respiratory clinic is funded by the Department of Health and visits are free of charge.”
Dr Wickramaratne said negative results for COVID-19 would be sent via SMS, while people who tested positive would receive a phone call and further advice.
He said the clinic would be open weekdays between 12.30pm and 4.30pm but hours could be extended depending on demand.
Bookings can be made online via the website www.hotdoc.com.au or search for GP respiratory clinics at www.health.gov.au
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network chief executive officer Melissa Neal said anyone with respiratory symptoms or unexplained fever should be tested.
“The most common symptoms if COVID-19 are fever, sore throat, dry cough and shortness of breath, so if you have any of these I would encourage you to make an appointment at the newly opened GP-led respiratory clinic,” Ms Neal said.
“Testing is critical to help minimise the risk of community to community transmission and to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“After your swab has been taken it’s sent away for testing and you will know the result in a couple of days.
“During this time, people are to isolate at home and they will receive more information from the GP in the testing appointment.”
Cowra Medical Associates Practice Manager, Maryann Wood, says the establishment of the clinic has been a significant process, which began in March, when the practice initiated an immediate Covid19 pandemic response, commencing respiratory clinics for the community.
“There has been an enormous amount of work done and energy injected into seeing this Respiratory Clinic come to fruition and the addition of the outdoor consultation facility is hugely rewarding and extremely beneficial to our town,” Mrs Wood said.
“The way in which our staff have stepped up and been so supportive throughout the establishment process and the Covid19 situation has been truly magnificent. Their work really is testament to their and the practice’s commitment to the community of Cowra and the surrounding district.”
Cowra Council Mayor, Councillor Bill West, has praised the community for its efforts in responding to the threat of COVID-19.
“The people of Cowra have conducted themselves exceptionally during this time, and I implore locals to continue to follow the social distancing, gatherings and travel guidelines being directed by the NSW and Federal Governments.” Mayor West said.
“This new Respiratory Clinic facility is another vital step forward for our community to continue to stay safe.”
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) CEO Andrew Harvey said the Cowra Respiratory Clinic complemented an enormous amount of work already undertaken by GPs and clinicians across hospital and primary health care, further strengthening the preparedness for COVID-19, and importantly also ensuring the vital business of regular primary care continues unhindered.
“This respiratory clinic provides additional capacity in Cowra to support early detection and reinforce services, and I’m very grateful for the support of Cowra Medical Associates in helping to set up this important addition to our COVID-19 infrastructure,” Mr Harvey said.
Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton said the Government was putting in place a range of measures, including additional practice incentives and the expansion of telehealth, to enable the rural medical workforce to continue to care for regional Australians through the pandemic.
Background:
People with severe symptoms should call 000 and/or attend the nearest hospital emergency department
It is important that people attend the clinic only at the time of their booking so that social distancing can be maintained, and they may be asked to wait in their car until the clinic is ready to receive them
People will be assessed by a GP or a nurse under the supervision of a GP and have a specimen taken for pathology testing if that is indicated
Regardless of whether a test is undertaken, the person will receive clinical advice on how to manage their symptoms and an initial follow-up phone call or text message with test results and to check on how they are going
After people have visited the clinic, they will remain eligible to continue to consult their regular GP using the MBS telehealth items.