MEDIA RELEASE: COVID-19 Respiratory Clinics to open in Western Queensland
COVID-19 VIRUS RESPONSE: Maranoa General Practices establish respiratory clinics to combat virus.
Western Queensland communities will soon have their defences bolstered through a number of key General Practices establishing specialised clinics to diagnose patients for coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses.
St George Medical Centre and Longreach Medical Centre are two of five Western Queensland COVID-19 respiratory clinics approved by the Commonwealth to be opened under strict infection control guidelines.
Under the COVID-19 National Health Plan, the Commonwealth is supporting dedicated private practice respiratory clinics for patients with mild-to-moderate fever and respiratory symptoms.
“This Commonwealth Government initiative is adding vital capacity to General Practices whose staff have worked tirelessly to implement the COVID-19 protocols and establish these specialised respiratory clinics,” Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said.
“Since this pandemic first became a recognised threat to our communities in the West, I’ve been humbled by the response of our health professionals who’ve rapidly adapted and fortified their practices to confront this viral menace.”
“The Government is committed to ensuring our rural and remote communities have all the tools they need to keep coronavirus at bay, and the capacity to deal with cases if they emerge,” Mr Littleproud said.
Western Queensland Primary Health Care (WQPHN) CEO Stuart Gordon said these developments complement an enormous amount of work already undertaken by GPs and clinicians across hospital and primary health care networks, further strengthening the preparedness for COVID-19, and importantly also ensuring the vital business of regular primary care continues unhindered.
The full media release can be found here.
Media Liaison:
Paul Stone (WQPHN) M: 0414 326 848 E: paul@sticksandstonespr.com.au