WA’s tenth Commonwealth endorsed, GP-led clinic opened recently in Kalgoorlie, offering the Goldfields local community access to rapid assessment and testing for acute respiratory conditions, including COVID-19.
While daily cases in WA have slowed, these clinics provide an alternative option to regular general practices or hospital emergency departments.
Operated by Plaza Medical Centre, the Goldfields Respiratory Clinic can accommodate up to 30 patients a day in a separate infection-controlled space at the back of the medical centre.
It will provide an alternative option to regular general practices or hospital emergency departments, offering free medical assessments to people with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, including testing for COVID-19, if required.
Plaza Medical Centre Practice Principal, Dr Kylie Sterry, said she expects the new clinic to be as popular as the previous drive through clinic, as the community works to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
While the Goldfields has not had an active case for some time, Dr Sterry said COVID-19 is not over.
“We are also going into winter and are likely to see more respiratory viruses in our community. This service enables us to keep unwell patients from mixing with well patients, even if they don’t have COVID-19.”
Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the Goldfields clinic is one of more than 100 dedicated respiratory clinics being set up across Australia as part of the Morrison Government’s response to the outbreak.
“We are 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 this crisis.” Mr Wilson said.
“Local clinics are best placed to support people with fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms while avoiding the risk of infection in other members of the community.”
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has facilitated the establishment of the clinic on behalf of the Australian Government as part of the national primary health response to COVID-19.
WAPHA CEO, Learne Durrington, said the Goldfields community can have the peace of mind if they develop a respiratory illness of knowing quickly whether or not it is COVID-19.
“Respiratory clinics play a vital role in the front-line response to COVID-19 , including detecting any spread within the community, allowing the health system to respond quickly to a localised cluster.
“For all other healthcare needs, such as flu vaccinations and management of chronic conditions, people should continue to visit their usual GP who knows them and their medical history well.’
For full information on booking an appointment, opening hours and other important details, visit the COVID-19 Requests Health Pathway.