Melbourne’s hospitals are under pressure. Surges in COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses could overload the hospital system in 2022.
It is crucial that we direct people with mild respiratory issues to a general practice this winter. Where practices and other health services are not equipped to see such patients face to face, GP respiratory clinics (GPRCs) can.
GPRCs now operate at many locations across Melbourne through partnerships between primary health networks and the Victorian and Australian Governments.
GPRCs are designed to take the pressure off hospitals by giving patients access to face-to-face assessment of respiratory symptoms (including COVID-19), testing and immediate treatment close to where they live.
Bookings are readily available – there is no waiting in line.
Who can access a GPRC?
Anyone of any age with a respiratory issue can book an appointment at a GPRC.
A Medicare card is not essential, and the service is free. Most clinics are open after-hours and on weekends.
GPRCs are for people with:
- COVID-19 (book ahead)
- influenza and cold symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat or fever
- asthma
- hay fever
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- emphysema
- pneumonia
- mild shortness of breath*.
Visit nwmphn.org.au/gprcs for more information including booking links, opening hours and a map of all GPRCs in metropolitan Melbourne.
Posters and social media tiles are available on our website to help remind your patients and reception teams about these clinics.
*If you have severe trouble breathing, blueness around the mouth, chest pains, or pain in your arms or jaw, call triple zero (000) for urgent help.
