The Victoria Park 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 eleventh in WA.
Practice Principal, Dr Sean Stevens said the respiratory clinic will help the local health care services – taking the pressure off hospitals and general practices by providing dedicated treatment to people with mild-to-moderate symptoms of fever or sore throat, cough, fatigue or shortness of breath.
“Staffed by GPs and nurses, we provide 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.”
“Although COVID-19 cases remain low in Western Australia, new cases are being found among people travelling between states or returning from overseas. It is important that people remain vigilant and get themselves checked, if they show symptoms.”
“Early identification and appropriate steps can reduce the spread of other respiratory diseases such as influenza which are also very dangerous for vulnerable groups.
Victoria Park Respiratory Clinic is also able to work with employers and employees to provide testing for symptomatic workers, with test results usually available by the next day.
“I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to call the clinic or go online to book an appointment.
“It is also important to remember that good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, and social distancing remain the best defence against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.”
Steve Irons, Federal Member for Swan said the clinic forms part in the Federal Government’s rapid response to protect Australians from COVID-19.
“This GP-led Respiratory Clinic is part of the Government’s $206 million investment to establish 150 GP-led Respiratory Clinics across the country.”
Mr Irons thanked local GPs for their hard work in establishing these clinics, ensuring more Swan residents could be tested locally and in safe environment.
“Thanks has to be given to our GPs, their staff and their representative organisations.This rollout has only been possible because of their dedication and commitment.”
On behalf of the Australian Government, WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has facilitated the establishment of the clinic, working closely with specialist health emergency management company, Aspen Medical.
WAPHA CEO, Learne Durrington, said people who attend can be confident of remaining safe, being thoroughly assessed, and receiving the best possible care and advice.
“For all other healthcare needs, people should continue to visit their usual GP who knows them and their medical history well.
“This is particularly important for people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease, or for people needing an annual flu vaccination.”
The clinic will operate strictly by appointment only. People can book online at HotDoc and search for Vic Park Respiratory Clinic, or they can call the clinic on (08) 7905 7205.
Located at 1009 Albany Highway St, James, with the entrance off Hill View Terrace, the clinic is open Monday to Friday, with opening hours from 8.30am to 5pm.
For more information, visit the clinic’s website https://www.vicparkrespiratoryclinic.com.au/
In addition to the new clinic, people can continue to visit one of the metropolitan based
COVID clinics or request a referral for a test from their usual GP.
Anyone with severe breathing difficulties should call triple zero (000) immediately.