From Monday 4 May people living in and around Yamba will be able to be tested for COVID-19 and other respiratory conditions at a local free clinic, located at 12 Clarence Street, Yamba, on top of the hill opposite the Pacific Hotel.
North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) is pleased to support today’s opening of the GP-led
Yamba Respiratory Clinic as part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion health package in
response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
NCPHN’s CEO Julie Sturgess said the clinic is one of up to 100 the Australian Government is setting
up across Australia. She said it would play a vital role in supporting patients in Yamba and
surrounding areas of the Clarence Valley throughout the pandemic.
The clinic will assess people with respiratory symptoms and, where appropriate, undertake testing
to diagnose respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia. Patients will be advised of results, which should be available 24 to 48 hours after tests.
“The clinic will provide the opportunity for people to undergo assessment and testing in a safe
environment, close to home and will protect our most vulnerable community members,” Ms
Sturgess said.
“Importantly, it will support local health care services – taking the pressure off hospitals and general practices by providing dedicated treatment to people with mild-to-moderate symptoms of fever or sore throat, cough, fatigue or shortness of breath.
“I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to book an appointment.”
Clarence Medical Centre is running the Yamba Respiratory Clinic. Co-owner and practice manager
Angela Bliss said that doctors and practice staff are pleased to support the area’s health in such a
vital manner during these uncertain times.
“Maclean Hospital and all the GP clinics in our area can focus on other patients while we manage
any respiratory conditions in our controlled environment,” Ms Bliss said. “Being able to assess, swab and provide necessary treatment in one location will certainly help contain the spread of COVID 19.
“The patients can book an appointment online, be assessed by our clinical team, swabbed as
required, given advice and treatment then go back home without heading out into the community.
“Notes and a copy of the pathology is forwarded then to the patients’ usual GP for continued
treatment. We all are hoping COVID-19 numbers stay low through the winter months.”
The Member for Page, Kevin Hogan welcomed the establishment of the clinic at Yamba.
“The Federal Government is establishing these clinics around the country to assess patients with
COVID-19-like symptoms,” Mr Hogan said.
“These clinics will reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments and other local general
practices.”
People should visit health.gov.au and use the online booking system to make an appointment or
telephone (02) 5629 7517. Yamba Respiratory Clinic is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
“NCPHN is one of 31 PHNs located throughout Australia that are working with local health districts
to advise the Commonwealth Department of Health on the best locations for the clinics right across the country,” Ms Sturgess said.
“I am very pleased and proud of the fact that NCPHN and local health practitioners have worked
collaboratively with the Australian Government to deliver this essential service.”
The Australian Government is establishing respiratory clinics at key North Coast locations. The
majority of clinics will operate out of existing medical practices. They will complement NSW Health’s existing COVID-19 / fever clinics at Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.