GP-led respiratory clinic opens in Whitsundays
The first Australian Government-funded GP-led respiratory clinic in the Whitsundays has opened in Cannonvale to support local GPs with patients who require further assessment and testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Whitsundays clinic – run by Affinity Medical with support from the North Queensland Primary Health Network – 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.
Affinity Family Medical GP Dr Chris Gill 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 Gill.
“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 the Whitsunday 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 practices to stay safe,” Dr Gill added.
In addition to closely monitoring your health and getting tested when necessary, I would strongly recommend downloading and enabling the COVIDSafe app.
The app is a key tool in building on the great work already done by health officials and the community to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
I can assure Whitsundays residents that the app is completely safe, your privacy is guaranteed, and it can only be used for contact tracing, so let’s join millions of other Australians by using this app for the good of you, your family, and the wider community.
CLINIC DETAILS:
Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic
48/226 Shute Harbour Road
Cannonvale QLD 4802
P: (07) 4804 5664
F: (07) 4804 5655
E: respiratoryclinic@affinitymedical.com.au
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 the Whitsunday Respiratory Clinic by calling (07) 4804 5664 or online at HOT DOC LINK HERE: www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/cannonvale-QLD-4802/airlie-beach-respiratory-clinic/doctors
Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 1pm-5pm