MEGAN CAHILL Chief Executive Officer, Capital Health Network
GP respiratory clinics in Canberra join COVID-19 fight To increase options for COVID-19 testing, the
the northside of Canberra at YourGP@Crace and
Australian Government has invested $206.7 million
on the southside at Lakeview Medical Practice
to support the establishment of more than 100
Tuggeranong. In addition to these two sites,
GP Respiratory Clinics across Australia. Three GP
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service
Respiratory Clinics were opened in established
is providing a culturally appropriate assessment
general practices across the Australian Capital
and testing clinic for First Nations people’, said
Territory (ACT) dedicated to supporting their
Ms Cahill.
communities and increasing access to COVID-19
‘As ACT’s Primary Health Network, CHN
testing. Services provided by the local clinics are
sought nominations from local general practices
helping to provide additional support to hospital
to set up GP Respiratory Clinics and made
emergency departments, other general practices
recommendations to the Australian Government
and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in our
for suitable locations, in conjunction with key
local communities.
local health stakeholders.
Capital Health Network (CHN) CEO Megan Cahill
Dr Mel Deery from YourGP@Crace said she
said in the first nine weeks since the GP Respiratory
was pleased to be able to offer a dedicated GP
Clinics opened in late April, over 2,700 people
Respiratory Clinic to the community, co-located
have been seen.
beside her existing general practice.
‘In contrast to other walk-in or drive-through
‘It’s a very difficult time, so we’re honoured
COVID-19 testing clinics, patients receive a full
to be able to provide this free service to all
assessment and examination from GPs at their
Canberrans. A GP Respiratory Clinic is different
free appointment. These clinics are located on
to a COVID-19 testing clinic in that GPs do a full
26
The Health Advocate • AUGUST 2020