A Commonwealth Government endorsed respiratory clinic has opened in Halls Head, allowing people with a mild illness suggestive of COVID-19, such as an upper respiratory tract infection, to be assessed and, if required, tested.
The Halls Head Respiratory Clinic is located in a stand-alone facility which is operated by Modern Medical Clinics.
Practice Principal, Dr Steve Bingham, said he was pleased to offer this service to allow local people access to a dedicated facility offering rapid assessment and testing in a safe and friendly environment.
“While it is great that the rate of COVID-19 infection has been consistently low over the past weeks, we want to ensure the community has peace of mind that, if they do have symptoms they think might be COVID-19, they can be dealt with quickly and conclusively.
“We will be working closely with other local general practices and health services to ensure they are aware of the service and how it can benefit them and their patients.
“This will include notifying the patient’s usual GP of the results of any testing, with the patient’s permission.”
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.
This is the third Respiratory Clinic to open in WA, with the others being in Geraldton and Alexander Heights, Perth.
WAPHA continues to liaise with a number of other general practices to finalise arrangements for other clinics in regional and metropolitan locations.
WAPHA CEO, Learne Durrington, said the Australian Government Department of Health had approved the Halls Head Respiratory Clinic for operation, after meeting strict infection control procedures.
“The clinic is intended for people whose respiratory symptoms are mild to moderate, and who think they may need to be tested for COVID-19.
“Patients 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.”
All GPs can now offer appointments via telehealth or face to face when required and have infection control procedures in place to keep patients safe.
The clinic will operate strictly by appointment only. People can book online at HotDoc and search for Halls Head Respiratory Clinic, or they can call the clinic on 9582 7638.
Located at 1 Elderberry Circle, Halls Head, opening hours will vary depending upon demand between Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
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.
BACKGROUND:
- 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.