The Broome Respiratory Clinic is now open, located at 3/19 Hamersley Street- It will allow people to be assessed, tested and treated for mild to moderate respiratory conditions, including COVID-19
- The clinic is the twelfth to open in WA, as part of the Australian Government’s national program
The Broome Respiratory Clinic is now open, a dedicated fully equipped facility to assess and treat people with mild to moderate respiratory conditions, including testing for COVID-19.
The clinic is one of up to 150 the Australian Government has funded across Australia to play a vital role in supporting people throughout the pandemic and the twelfth in WA.
Operated by Kimberley Medical Group, the clinic will offer free medical assessments to people with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, including testing for COVID-19, if required.
The clinic provides an opportunity for people to be assessed, treated and receive a free test for the COVID-19, away from other patients, with a dedicated entrance and strict infection control and social distancing measures in place.
Broome Respiratory Clinic is also able to work with employers and employees to provide testing for symptomatic workers, with test results usually available within 48 hours.
The clinic is working closely with other local general practices and health services. This includes keeping the person’s usual GP up to date on their progress.
On behalf of the Australian Government, WA Primary Health Alliance has facilitated the establishment of the clinic, working closely with specialist health emergency management company, Aspen Medical.
The clinic will operate strictly by appointment only. People can book online at HotDoc, facebook.com/broomerespiratoryclinic or call the clinic on (08) 9157 9860.
Located at 3/19 Hamersley Street, the clinic is open Monday to Friday, with opening hours from 12.00pm to 4pm. However, these may be extended to meet community need.
For more information, visit the clinic’s website broomerespiratoryclinic.com.au/
In addition to the new clinic, people can continue to visit the Broome Hospital COVID clinic or request a referral for a test from their usual GP.
Anyone with severe breathing difficulties should call triple zero (000) immediately.
Comments attributed to Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price
The opening of the Broome Clinic demonstrates the Morrison Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure all Australians are safe, protected and have access to appropriate health care now and beyond the COVID-19.
I know many of the remote Kimberley communities particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 have worked very hard to protect themselves and this facility will contribute to that ongoing local commitment and leadership.
New modelling confirms the vital importance of continuing support and resources provided to remote communities to protect them from COVID-19.
While no cases of the coronavirus have yet been reported among Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in remote communities, the modelling shows that continuing efforts are needed to limit the effects of an outbreak.
Comments attributed to Kimberley Medical Group Practice Principal, Dr Joanne Baker
“While good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, and social distancing remain the best defence against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, it is important that we remain vigilant now that COVID-19 restrictions have started to ease.”
“The Broome community can have the peace of mind if they develop a respiratory illness of knowing quickly whether or not it is COVID-19 and be able to receive the appropriate treatment at the same time.”
“I encourage anyone experiencing these symptoms to call the clinic or go online to book an appointment as, together, we can protect ourselves, our families and also those who are most vulnerable in the Kimberley communities.”
“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.”
Comments attributed to WA Primary Health Alliance CEO, Learne Durrington.
“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 the management of chronic conditions, people should continue to visit their usual GP who knows them and their medical history well.’