The first Australian Government-funded GP-led respiratory clinic in North Queensland has opened in Mackay to support local GPs with patients who require further assessment and testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).

The North Mackay Respiratory Clinic will assess, test, and diagnose community members experiencing mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms (a fever, cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat and/or unusual fatigue). Community members will be directed back to their usual GP for ongoing care.

Health on Central will run the new clinic from its Andergrove site, which will be staffed from Monday to Saturday by an expert medical team of doctors and nurses, supported by auxiliary practice support staff.

GP-led and supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, this is the first of several GP respiratory clinics for the North Queensland region, with others due to be established in Cairns, Townsville, and Charters Towers over the coming weeks.

The Mackay clinic is well placed to support people with fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms, and avoiding the risk of infection in our community.

I’m pleased that Northern Queensland PHN and local GPs have worked collaboratively with the Federal Government to deliver this important health service.

It’s vital that potential COVID-19 patients can be assessed and tested as soon as possible to prevent the further spread of the virus, which is exactly the service this clinic will provide.

The respiratory clinics across Australia are staffed by GPs, and will provide full assessment and management plans for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

They are designed to complement existing fever clinics which have been established by local hospital and health services.

Health on Central GP Dr Nicole Higgins said the clinic will support assessment by a GP and onsite testing for COVID-19 where patients meet the testing criteria.

“Patients who present to the clinic who meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing will be tested accordingly, with results to be sent to their usual GP,” said Dr Higgins.

“Patients will be provided initial advice for any condition diagnosed during the appointment, after which ongoing care will transition back to their regular GP.

“Respiratory clinic services, which are being run by GPs for the community, will be provided at no cost to the patient.”

If a patient tests positive, the patient will be referred to the local Public Health Unit, while a negative result will see the patient notified of the result by staff at North Mackay Respiratory Clinic.

“We are here to clinically examine and assess the patient face to face for their regular GP. We all want our patients, staff, and community general practice to stay safe.”

CLINIC DETAILS

North Mackay Respiratory Clinic

24 Central Drive

Andergrove Qld 4740

P: (07) 4863 1273

F: (07) 4955 0993

E: respiratoryclinic@healthoncentral.com.au

www.mackayrespiratory.com

HOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT: Community members experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat or fatigue can book an appointment at North Mackay Respiratory Clinic by calling (07) 4863 1273 or online at www.mackayrespiratory.com

Opening hours:

Monday–Friday: 8.30am- pm

Saturday: 9am-1 pm