Dubbo residents who have the likes of a fever, cough or sore throat should steer clear of their own GPs and head to the new COVID-19 respiratory clinic in Brisbane Street, says Mark Coulton.
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In turn, people without coronavirus symptoms should seek out their GPs for any medical attention they need, he says.
The federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health is alarmed at people delaying going to their GPs for essential health care and treatment during the pandemic.
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In the lead-up to the opening of Dubbo's GP-led COVID-19 respiratory clinic on Monday, he explained how it and 99 others aimed to both suppress the infection and help people without symptoms see their doctors in person when available, or through Teleheath.
"The reason we are doing this is so your regular GP is not overrun with people with respiratory issues because it is still important if you have other health issues to go to your doctor," he said.
"We are hearing that people are reluctant to go for fear of infection."
The reason we are doing this is so your regular GP is not overrun with people with respiratory issues because it is still important if you have other health issues to go to your doctor.
- Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton
Western NSW Primary Health Network chief executive officer Andrew Harvey is also encouraging continuity of care.
"While performing vitally important work in its own right, the respiratory clinic also provides added comfort for people without respiratory complaints to continue to visit their GP and other health professionals for regular check-ups and other issues, to ensure that small complaints now do not become major health concerns later," he said.
Dubbo's respiratory clinic treats people with mild-to-moderate respiratory illnesses.
People with severe symptoms should call triple zero or go to hospital.
Dubbo Medical and Allied Health Group has been contracted to run the clinic at 183 Brisbane Street.
Appointments are made by calling 6815 9900 or searching for Dubbo respiratory clinic at www.hotdoc.com.au.