Federal Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has announced a new respiratory clinic will open on Monday, June 29 at Butterworth Lane, Taree.
Dr Simon Holliday will be managing the clinic that will assess members of the public who have mild to moderate cold or flu symptoms and test them for COVID-19.
“This is exciting news for the Manning-Great Lakes area and will continue to strengthen our local capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr Gillespie said.
“The Federal Nationals in Government have already established over 100 GP-led respiratory clinics across Australia to assess patients with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms.”
Respiratory clinics are best-placed to support people with a fever, cough, sore throat and other respiratory symptoms and will help to avoid the risk of infection in our local communities.
Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) CEO Richard Nankervis thanked Dr Holliday for the considerable effort that has gone into setting up the clinic.
“We’d also like to remind the community that while COVID-19 remains a major focus for health services, people with ongoing chronic health conditions should be continuing to maintain contact with their own GP to ensure their health is well-monitored,” Mr Nankervis said.
Dr Holliday said the stand-alone clinic had strict infection controls and safety measures in place to protect staff and patients. He said part of this was a ‘no walk-ins’ policy.
“It’s really important that people make an appointment and follow our team’s instructions when they arrive,” Dr Holliday said.
“The new clinic has been established to support people suffering from any mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, keeping them separate from other patients at GP practices and health facilities, thereby protecting both staff and patients.
“I encourage anyone in the local community experiencing mild to moderate cold or flu symptoms to book an appointment. Anybody with severe symptoms should call 000 immediately instead.”
Patients can Book online via www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres (select Taree Respiratory Clinic), or phone 02 6516 2043.
