The Chronicle

Possible COVID-19 case at GP clinic

- MICHAEL NOLAN michael.nolan@thechronic­le.com.au

DOCTORS at the Clifton Community Medical Services Medical Centre treated a possible COVID-19 case on Wednesday and moved to reassure the community its practice was safe.

General manager Brad Jones posted a public notice confirming the treatment.

He said it would take a few days before test results were returned.

In the meantime, the staff followed all the correct personal safety and cleaning procedures.

“The health and safety of our staff, patients and residents is our paramount concern, and on the advice of Queensland Health, the medical centre will remain open,” Mr Jones said.

“We are a community service and we are always very open with our community.

“Because Clifton is a small town, I was already getting rumours coming back to me, and I wanted to set the record straight.

“There is no negative impact to our operations.”

Clifton had so far been removed from the major outbreaks worldwide.

Mr Jones said the test brought home the seriousnes­s of the situation.

“We have been a little bit removed up until now, but we have had some patients with concerning symptoms.

“This is the first case we sent off for testing,” he said.

“We will notify patients immediatel­y when more informatio­n comes to hand.

“Clifton Community Health Services Medical Centre will also care for patients via a telehealth service.

“These measures are consistent with the care and concern we have always taken for our community.

“We appreciate your patience and understand­ing as we all face these most unusual times.”

A Queensland Health spokeswoma­n said there were no confirmed cases in the Darling Downs Health and Hospital network.

 ??  ?? BUSINESS OPEN: The Clifton Community Health Service Medical Centre treated its first suspected case of COVID-19 and moved to reassure patients that the clinic was safe to visit.
BUSINESS OPEN: The Clifton Community Health Service Medical Centre treated its first suspected case of COVID-19 and moved to reassure patients that the clinic was safe to visit.

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