On Monday 18 May, the third GP-led respiratory clinic opened in Castle Hill, New South Wales, as part of the Australian Government’s health response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
We have been working together with the Department of Health and the team from Castle Hill Medical Centre to construct the clinic, which will assess and test people with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and diagnose cases of COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia.
“Ian and his team have worked tirelessly to roll out a one-of-a kind GP-led Respiratory Clinic. The dedication and innovation our health care workers are delivering during this challenging time is inspiring and I am thrilled we could assist them to look after our community.” Said WentWest CEO, Ray Messom
Hon. Alex Hawke MP, Member for Mitchell and Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra toured the newly opened Respiratory Clinic earlier this week. The tour, led by Castle Hill Medical Centre’s CEO, Ian Lowe, provided an insider’s view into the operations of the clinic including the testing capabilities for the Hills region, which has now been identified as an area for increased testing and surveillance.
Mr Hawke was enthusiastic about the opening of the clinic, “This clinic is great news for people in the Castle Hill region as we want as many people as possible who are suffering any of these symptoms to get tested”.
Patients who are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms can make an appointment online or call 9634 5000 to book. This service is free and located at Level 1, Castle Mall, 4-16 Terminus Street, open between 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. There are currently three COVID-19 Western Sydney GP-led Respiratory Clinics in Western Sydney with more coming soon. These currently include:
- Blacktown Respiratory Clinic
- Castle Hill Respiratory Clinic
- Riverstone Respiratory Clinic
The respiratory clinics have thorough infection prevention and control protocols to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading. They provide assessments and testing for all people with symptoms to detect cases and allow them to be isolated as early as possible.
Up to 100 GP Led Respiratory Clinics will open around the country to assess and test patients with mild to moderate COVID-19-like symptoms, reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments and local general practices.
There are currently four COVID-19/Flu Clinics in the following locations:
- Blacktown Hospital
- Mount Druitt Hospital
- Westmead Hospital
- The Children’s Hospital Westmead
Details of local Pathology Collection Centres can also be found on our dedicated COVID-19 webpage.
Read the full media release for more information.
This information is correct as of 21 May 2020.