Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) is pleased to support the opening of two GP-led Respiratory Clinics in Rowville and Wallan as part of the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The PHN’s Interim CEO, Geoff Lavender, said the clinics were two of the more than 100 the Australian Government has set up across Australia, playing a vital role in supporting patients in Wallan and Rowville, and surrounding areas throughout the pandemic.
“This is the third respiratory clinic to open in the catchment and is a welcome addition to support other services in the region.
“These local areas are well serviced by excellent GP services, which have now been enhanced with the respiratory clinics to separate out respiratory presentations, including but not limited to COVID-19, from regular GP visits.
“Importantly, these new respiratory clinics will help local health care services – take the pressure off local hospitals by providing dedicated treatment to people with mild-to-moderate symptoms of fever or sore throat, cough, fatigue or shortness of breath.
These clinics have been established to assess people with respiratory symptoms and, where appropriate, undertake testing to diagnose respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia,” Geoff said.
“I encourage everyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to call your local clinic or go online to book an appointment.
“It is important to remind people that good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, maintaining social distancing and staying at home remain the best defense against COVID-19.”
“These two new respiratory clinics are part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion National Health Plan and are a crucial part of the mix of health care services being used to respond to COVID-19. I am pleased to see access to these services improved in Victoria,” the Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said.
Geoff said the GP Respiratory Clinics in Rowville and Wallan were well placed to support people suffering from mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and to avoid the risk of spreading the virus throughout the community.
“EMPHN is one of 31 PHNs located throughout Australia that worked with local hospital districts to advise the Commonwealth Department of Health on the best locations for the clinics right across the country,” Geoff said.
“I am very pleased and proud of the fact we have collaborated with local health practitioners have worked collaboratively with the Federal Government to deliver two new essential services to our community.”
People should visit health.gov.au and use the online booking system to make an appointment.