The Department of Health is to set up 20 new GP respiratory clinics to enable people to access COVID-19 testing and respiratory assessments close to home, without going to hospital.
Announcing the move, Minister for Health, Martin Foley said the clinics would be set up rapidly and would see primary care clinics play a greater role in easing the load on hospitals by reducing emergency department presentations and avoidable visits to hospital.
“It’s estimated the respiratory clinics will support more than 350 patients of all ages a week who have respiratory symptoms, to ensure they receive immediate support in the management of their illness,” Mr Foley said.
“Services will be available to those with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the patient, with the fit-for-purpose facilities open 16 hours a day, seven days a week.”
He said the new clinics would be located in the local government areas (LGAs) of Hume; Wyndham; Brimbank; Moreland; Darebin; Moonee Valley; Melbourne; Maribyrnong; Melton; Casey; Greater Dandenong; Monash; Kingston; Cardinia; Whittlesea; Banyule and Boroondara.
The Minister said GP respiratory clinics already operating in the LGAs that had high COVID-19 caseloads would also be supported to extend their operating hours.
“The clinics will be staffed by appropriately trained and qualified clinicians, including general practitioners and nurses,” he said.
“The new clinics will be set up in three to six weeks, while operating hours of existing, selected clinics will be extended within two weeks,” Mr Foley said.
