General News

Testing times: mobile respiratory clinic hits the road

A new mobile testing clinic will make it easier for Northern NSW residents to get tested for COVID-19.

Getting tested for COVID-19 is one of the key tools in the fight against transmission of the virus, ensuring any cases in the community can be identified quickly.

The new mobile clinic will visit Evans Head between 6 July and 10 July, stationed at the Evans Head HealthOne on Woodburn Road, and open from 10am -3pm Monday to Friday.

Of course, anyone who develops who flu-like symptoms should not delay getting tested at one of the multiple testing clinics already established throughout the region.

A full list of clinics is available at: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protectyourself-and-others/clinics

The mobile clinic will continue to move around the District, and will visit Ocean Shores, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Tabulam, Urbenville, Woodenbong, and Coraki.

The Commonwealth funded project is led by Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation and supported by the Northern NSW Local Health District and North Coast Primary Health Network. The clinic will be staffed by two nurses and a local General Practitioner.

Scott Monaghan, CEO Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation said the clinic would enable people in smaller towns to access testing without having to travel, and is open to all community members.

“We know that travel can be an issue when it comes to accessing health services, and we want to make getting tested for COVID as easy as possible,” Mr Monaghan said.

“The mobile respiratory clinic will assess, test and diagnose any residents with mildto-moderate respiratory conditions. It’s not just for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents, anyone is welcome.”

Residents with any of the following symptoms are strongly encouraged to make an appointment to attend the clinic:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Change in taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath

All patients tested for COVID-19 must isolate at home until they receive their test results from medical staff, either by text message or phone. A copy of the results can also be sent to the patient’s General Practitioner.

The clinic is free, and bookings are recommended. There are limited walk-in appointments available.

To book an appointment, phone 1800 856 325 or visit hotdoc.com.au and type in your postcode.

The mobile clinic schedule is subject to change, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website for the latest information.

For a full list of COVID-19 and respiratory clinics in NSW, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics