A Bundaberg practice will officially open its respiratory clinic this coming Monday, providing the community with a safe and isolated area to assist with the treatment of flu and COVID-19 symptoms.
General Practitioner Josiah Manteit said the new clinic would offer a full range of services at the Grace Medical Skin and Vein Centre on 16 Princess Street, Bundaberg East.
“The respiratory clinic is an assessment and treatment clinic for anyone with respiratory illness or cold/flu-like symptoms, as well as a testing centre for COVID-19,” he said.
“It is free for all to attend.”
Dr Manteit said the new clinic had come at a pertinent time, when local practices were booked full and residents were left searching for help.
“If you have cold/flu symptoms it is tricky to get in to see a doctor because everyone is trying to minimise risk of spreading infections,” he said.
“This is the right thing to do in the current situation, however this leaves those who are sick with nowhere to go and has the potential for some people to become quite unwell.
“The clinic will help by allowing a safe environment for people to attend to be assessed when they are unwell, keeping them separate to others who are well, and also hopefully preventing deterioration and the need for presentation to hospital.”
The respiratory clinic will be situated in a separate area to the normal operations of Grace Family Skin and Vein Centre.
Dr Manteit said the clinic's goal was to help the community during the COVID-19 situation.
“Saving lives is the ultimate goal, but even easing the burden on other GP practices and the hospital will be helpful during these tough times,” he said.
The respiratory clinic will open this Monday from 8.30am at 16 Princess Street, East Bundaberg.
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