News

Calare Communities are having their defences bolstered through a number of key General Practices establishing specialised clinics to diagnose patients for coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses.

Following the opening of a service in Bathurst, a COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic has been approved by the Federal Government for Mudgee and will commence operation on Wednesday May 13 by South Mudgee Surgery at the Mudgee Showground, under strict infection control guidelines.

Under the COVID-19 National Health Plan, the Commonwealth is supporting dedicated general practice respiratory clinics for patients with mild-to-moderate fever and respiratory symptoms.

Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said the local clinic is best placed to support people with fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms, while avoiding the risk of infection in other members of the community.

"I encourage anyone in the local community experiencing these symptoms to call the clinic or go online to book an appointment," Mr Gee said.

"In the absence of a vaccine testing is a key weapon in the fight against COVID-19. The faster we can test and isolate cases, the more lives we can save, and the fewer lock down restrictions we need.”

"The Mudgee community has done a great job in keeping local cases low throughout this pandemic, and we want to keep it that way. Measures like this will help to identify any future cases safely and efficiently.

"People with severe symptoms should call 000 and/or attend the nearest hospital emergency department," Mr Gee said.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) CEO Andrew Harvey says the Mudgee Respiratory Clinic complements an enormous amount of work already undertaken by GPs and clinicians across hospital and primary health care, further strengthening the preparedness for COVID-19, and importantly also ensuring the vital business of regular primary care continues unhindered.

“This respiratory clinic provides additional capacity in Mudgee to support early detection and reinforce services, and I’m very grateful for the support of both practices in helping to set up these important additions to our COVID-19 infrastructure,” Mr Harvey said.

Mr Harvey added that “While performing vitally important work in its own right, the Respiratory Clinic also provides added comfort for people without respiratory complaints to continue to visit their GP and other health professionals for regular check-ups and other issues, to ensure that small complaints now do not become major health concerns later.”

Under the COVID-19 National Health Plan, the Commonwealth is supporting dedicated general practice respiratory clinics for patients with mild-to-moderate fever and respiratory symptoms.

The clinics will be staffed by local GPs who will assess, test and diagnose referred respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia, in a dedicated part of their premises, within strict criteria to safely manage infection control, as part of a FREE service to patients.

Working closely with the Department of Health and Aspen Medical, the WNSWPHN has collaborated with the Western and Far Western Local Health Districts to ensure a collaborative response to COVID-19 across the region, while also assisting General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services to meet the strict COVID-19 guidelines, navigate the contract management process and audit Practices as part of the selection process.

From Wednesday May 13, patients can make a booking by phoning South Mudgee Surgery on 0417 072 652 or 02 6372 4355. The Respiratory Clinic will operate 7 days a week from 9am until 1pm. Phone in appointments can be made from 8am.