Media Statement
Yarra Ranges community members who are unwell with mild respiratory-type symptoms now have a local service they can visit for support and treatment. EACH has now established a GP Respiratory Clinic (GPRC) in Lilydale.
EACH and Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) have collaborated with the Victorian Government to help residents in the Yarra Ranges to access free face-to-face assessments, investigations and immediate support for people who are unwell with acute respiratory illnesses or are displaying mild respiratory symptoms. Symptoms and illnesses can include asthma, pneumonia, COVID-19, mild shortness of breath* and flu and cold symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough, or fever and can be accessed by children and adults.
“We’re delighted that EACH is providing this vital service to the Yarra Ranges community to help anyone unwell manage their condition. As we enter winter and see a rise in COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses that could overload the hospital and broader primary health system, GP Respiratory Clinics have a vital role in relieving pressure on our health systems, especially emergency departments,” said Natalie Sullivan, CEO of EACH.
“It is crucial that we direct people with mild respiratory issues to a general practice this winter. We can see that practices and other health services are already in demand and this new GP respiratory clinic can help assist with this need. This is a great support to the residents and health care providers of the Yarra Ranges” said Janine Wilson, CEO of EMPHN.
The EACH GPRC is located at 18 – 22 Lakeview Drive, Lilydale and operates by appointment from Monday to Friday between 11am – 7pm. To make a booking please call 1300 097 151 or visit the EACH website.
To learn more about GPRC’s, visit the EMPHN website for details including booking links, opening hours and a map of all GPRC’s in metropolitan Melbourne.
*If you have severe trouble breathing, blueness around the mouth, chest pains, or pain in your arms or jaw, call triple zero (000) for urgent help.
Media enquiries contact:
Brooke Lennon – Marketing and Communications Officer, EMPHN
E: brooke.lennon@emphn.org.au