By Molly Magennis
Cohealth have recently opened a new GP respiratory clinic in West Footscray as part of a state government rollout aiming to ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments.
The clinic, located on Barkly street, opened in February and will support adults and children with respiratory symptoms who are unable to see their regular GP.
Those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, influenza and shortness of breath will be able to receive immediate support completely free, and a referral or Medicare card is not needed.
COVID PCR testing by appointment is also available, though only people with symptoms can access the testing.
Cohealth GP Dr Catherine Orr said this clinic will provide a pathway for those who are unable, for whatever reason, to see their GP.
“In the current COVID environment some people’s regular GPs may not accept face-to-face appointments from patients with respiratory symptoms whose COVID-status is unknown,” she said.
“This can be stressful for people who are feeling unwell, and often results in them presenting at hospital Emergency Departments when their symptoms could be managed in the community.”
Late last year, the Victorian government announced they would rapidly set up 20 new GP respiratory clinics in the local government areas with the highest numbers of COVID cases including Hume, Wyndham, Brimbank, Moreland, Darebin, Moonee Valley, Melbourne and Maribyrnong.
The cohealth GP Respiratory Clinic is located at 575A Barkly Street, West Footscray and is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Details: www.cohealth.org.au/service/gprc/
