New Townsville clinic to test those with moderate symptoms

A NEW respiratory clinic has opened in Townsville to help assess and test for coronavirus.

The Townsville Respiratory Clinic will assess, test and diagnose community members experiencing moderate COVID19 symptoms before being directed back to their usual GP for ongoing care. The clinic, which will be run at the Upper Ross Medical Centre at Rasmussen, is one of 100 respiratory clinics to be set up across Australia with more expected to be established in Cairns and Charters Towers in coming weeks.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson said the government-funded, Gp-led clinic was a key milestone in reducing the impact of COVID-19.

He said the clinic would support Queensland’s response to the virus and reduce pressure on hospitals and frontline health workers. “This isn’t just about testing – this clinic will be staffed by GPS, and provide full assessment and management plans for patients who are concerned they may have COVID-19,” he said.

Upper Ross Medical Centre director Dr Martin Perez Gonzalez said patients would be provided initial advice for any condition diagnosed during the appointment, after which ongoing care would transition back to their regular GP.

“Respiratory clinic services, which are being run by GPS for the community, will be provided at no cost to the patient,” he said.

If a patient tests positive, the patient would be referred to the Public Health Unit, while a negative result will see the patient notified of the result by staff at Townsville Respiratory Clinic.