COVID-19 testing made simple
SHIRLEY Marsh is one local who’s taken advantage of the drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Dubbo.
Situated in the RSL Club’s currently empty car park on Brisbane Street, she said the convenience was fantastic and believes testing and tracking is vital to keep the community safe.
“Just precautionary because of my age, I’m 71, I think it’s a great idea and I think more people should do it and as we haven’t had so much of the virus out here I think it’s a good idea to keep on top of it,” Mrs Marsh told
“We all have to stick together and we all have to do it, no breaking the rules.
“This country’s pretty good, we’re pretty safe, the virus outbreaks have been imported. I’m glad to live in Dubbo,” she said.
You need a referral from a GP to be tested.
Staff say people have responded well to the drive-through tests, loving the convenience saying they’re not stuck in a room, it’s out in the open air.
Laverty Pathology is operating the clinic. Staff have all the required PPE, people simply drivein and give their details, they’re tested and they drive out.
Laverty general manager Matthew Brumby says the company is opening these drive-through clinics in response to the federal and state governments’ desire for an expansion of COVID-19 testing.
He said that makes it easier for more people to be tested as lockdown restrictions begin to ease and business and community activity begins to return.
“Anyone can come to the drivethrough for collection of a swab specimen for COVID-19 testing. All people need is a pathology request form from their doctor and they will be able to use the drivethrough clinic,” Mr Brumby said.
“This is by far the easiest, safest and most convenient way for anyone to be tested for COVID- 19.”
To use the service, visit the Dubbo RSL car park at 178 Brisbane St, from 8am to 12pm, Monday to Friday.
Arrive in your vehicle with a pathology request form from a doctor, Medicare card and ID.
Patients must remain in their vehicles at all times while a collector in full protective equipment will perform the test.
Test results are generally provided to the referring doctor within 24 hours of the samples reaching the laboratory.
Patients may elect to have negative results sent to them via SMS.
Any patient with a positive result will be contacted directly by the GP referring them to the clinic.