Staff at Dubbo's GP-led COVID-19 respiratory clinic have tested and treated about 3500 patients since it opened in May.
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Up to 40 patients with mild-to-moderate respiratory symptoms are currently being tested each day of the working week.
The respiratory clinic is among 148 funded by the federal government nationwide to help contain the coronavirus.
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Dubbo Medical and Allied Health Group (DMAHG) has been contracted to run the clinic at 183 Brisbane Street.
DMAHG director and the respiratory clinic's lead clinician Dr Sunil Jacob reports that it is alleviating concern about the potential spread of COVID-19.
"The Dubbo respiratory clinic has helped ease GP and health staff concerns dealing with initial presentation of respiratory infections," he said.
Dr Jacob said all patients presenting at the respiratory clinic were tested for COVID-19, other respiratory viruses and "occasionally" whooping cough.
None of the COVID-19 tests have returned a positive result.
"The majority of patients have rhinovirus and adenovirus," Dr Jacob said.
"Presentations vary from sore throats, pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections."
Dr Jacob said patients were escorted into the clinic at their "nominated appointment time".
"They are assessed by a clinician, given immediate care and a swab is taken," he said.
"The patients receive their results in 24 hours and are asked to self-isolate until then.
"The patient is followed up by our staff in a few days and if required, asked to follow up with their own GP."
Most of the six doctors, three nurses and three administration staff working at the clinic are from DMAHG.
"We are actively looking for clinical staff," Dr Jacob said.
Patients are required to make appointments by calling 6815 9900 or searching for Dubbo respiratory clinic at www.hotdoc.com.au.
The contract for the clinic has previously been extended to the end of October.
This week the government announced it would spend another $2 billion extending COVID-19 health measures including Telehealth and respiratory clinics.
Dr Jacob has thanked DMAHG staff and the Western NSW Primary Health Network for their support in establishing the clinic.
