Two new General Practice Respiratory Clinics are now open at DPV Health Medical Centres in Broadmeadows and Mill Park.
The GP Respiratory Clinics provide support to people who are suffering from respiratory symptoms such as asthma, pneumonia, COPD, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, and means they do not have to spend hours waiting at a hospital emergency department.
DPV Health and Victorian Primary Health Networks have collaborated with the Victorian Government to help people access assessment for respiratory symptoms, symptomatic testing and treatment close to where they live, without going to hospital. The collaboration of this initiative will help ease the load on hospitals by reducing emergency department presentations and avoidable visits to hospital.
The services are available to those with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the client and operate after hours.
“DPV Health is pleased to offer further COVID supports to our community,” said DPV Health CEO Don Tidbury.
“Operating 7 days/week, the GP Respiratory Clinics in Broadmeadows and Mill Park will assist people to stay safe through this pandemic, whilst reducing the demand on hospital emergency departments.”
“Staffed by nurses and GPs, people can attend our services in the evening or weekends at a time that suits them either through a pre-booked appointment or walk up,” he said.
“We are very thankful to the Victorian Government and the Primary Health Networks for enabling this valuable service.”
COVID safe measures are in place to ensure the health, safety, and ease of access to those attending. These include: QR registration, phone-based interpreting services, staff in full PPE, social distancing, air ventilation, cleaning, and instructions for clients to stay in their vehicle until ready to be seen.
The clinics do not provide COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients. If you do not have respiratory symptoms and require a COVID-19 test only, an appropriate testing location can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
Online or phone bookings can be made and walk ins are also available without a referral.
To make a General Practice Respiratory Clinic booking call 1300 234 263, (select option 1). For more information or to book online head to dpvhealth.org.au/all-services/respiratory-clinic
Media contact
For media enquiries, contact Rick Jackson, Executive Manager Client Experience and Community Engagement on 0448 998 079 or Rick.jackson@dpvhealth.org.au
Resources
Download media release (.pdf)
Download Q&A (.pdf)
More GP Respiratory Clinics in the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network region: nwmphn.org.au/gprcs
With DPV Health.