The Morrison Government is delivering more essential health services on the Northern Gold Coast with a new GP Respiratory Clinic now open in Upper Coomera.
Haan Health Upper Coomera is one of 100 respiratory clinics across Australia that will be critical to the suppression of the coronavirus.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said it is crucial that Australians get tested, even if they have the mildest of symptoms.
“If you have the slightest sniffle or a runny nose you should get tested.” Mr van Manen said.
“This is about ensuring there is no community transmission and being able to identify cases quickly when they appear.”
The Commonwealth Government is establishing GP led clinics and Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) has been supporting this process locally on the Gold Coast.
GCPHN Board Chair, Dr Roger Halliwell, said these clinics will be in addition to existing services at Gold Coast University and Robina hospitals.
“One of the most significant strategies in the control of COVID-19 is early detection through rigorous testing to pick up any cases before this virus has an opportunity to spread and then to follow up with contract tracing,” Dr Halliwell said.
“In Australia, this strategy appears to be working and it will be more important than ever going forward, that we ensure that we pick up any localised pockets of infection.
“Gold Coast residents will now have an several options if they require testing in a safe and secure environment.”
The clinics will assess, test and diagnose respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia and reduce pressure on public hospitals and existing general practices, while also reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 across the whole community, particularly in health care settings where there may be more vulnerable patients.