Staff members go ‘above and beyond’
With the end of the cold of winter and the onset of spring, East Grampians Health Service has thanked its COVID-19 swab clinic staff for their work in sometimes harsh conditions.
The clinic is in a marquee in Ararat hospital car park to allow people to drive in and remain in their cars while undergoing a swab test.
Health service chief executive Andrew Freeman said clinic staff went ‘above and beyond’ in what were sometimes cold and wet conditions.
“But they always greet our community members attending for a swab test with a smile and reassurance,” he said.
“I am very proud of the work they do and the service they provide to the community.”
From March 2020 when COVID-19 swab test reporting started to July 2021, the EGHS swab clinic collected 5612 samples.
The highest monthly number of swabs staff carried out was 772 in July this year and the highest number of swabs in one day was 60 tests on May 30 this year.
The health service has now recruited a permanent swab clinician and administration support for the clinic, which operates from 1.30pm, Monday to Friday.
People can book for testing by phoning 5352 9532, preferably between 8.30am and 12.30pm.
Urgent after-hours swab testing is available through an urgent care centre.