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18
May
2020
From today (Monday 18 May) people living in and around Kempsey will be able to be tested for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses at a new local free clinic.
North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) is pleased to support the opening of the GP-led Kempsey Respiratory Clinic as part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion health package in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The clinic’s hours are Monday to Friday, from noon to 4 pm. It will complement the existing COVID-19 / fever clinic established by NSW Health at Kempsey Health Campus, open weekdays from 8 am to noon.
NCPHN’s CEO Julie Sturgess said the new clinic is one of over 100 the Australian Government is setting up across Australia. She said it would play a vital role in supporting patients in Kempsey and surrounding areas throughout the pandemic.
The clinic will assess people with respiratory symptoms and, where appropriate, undertake testing to diagnose respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia. Patients will be called with their results, which will also be sent to their regular GP if that information has been provided.
“The clinic will provide the opportunity for people to undergo assessment and testing in a safe environment, close to home and will protect our most vulnerable community members,” Ms Sturgess said.
“Importantly, it will support 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.
“I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to book an appointment.”
Tristar Medical Group is running the Kempsey Respiratory Clinic. When people make an appointment, they will be asked to leave their mobile phone number. Upon arrival at the clinic they should remain outside until called. People will be provided with a surgical face mask before entering.
Clinic coordinator Cameron McMillan urged anyone with respiratory symptoms to make an appointment to attend.
Visit HotDoc and use the online booking system to make an appointment. Bookings can also be made by phone on 1300 170 901.
“NCPHN is one of 31 PHNs located throughout Australia that are working with local health districts to advise the Commonwealth Department of Health on the best locations for the clinics right across the country,” Ms Sturgess said.
“I am very pleased and proud of the fact the NCPHN and local health practitioners have worked collaboratively with the Federal Government to deliver this essential service.”
The Australian Government has established respiratory clinics at six key North Coast locations – Murwillumbah, Ballina, Yamba, Nambucca Heads, Kempsey and Wauchope. The majority of clinics are operating out of existing medical practices.
NCPHN worked with the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts to identify locations that provide optimal access to testing services for the maximum number of community members. The analysis considered population data, travel times and projected health service demand.
The respiratory clinics complement NSW Health’s existing COVID-19 / fever clinics at Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
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