Local clinics help lead COVID-19 testing

GP clinics in Mitchell are assisting in the testing and tracing of COVID-19 as part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion health response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

More than 100 clinics are now open around the country, including Castle Hill, to assess and test patients with mild to moderate COVID-19-like symptoms, reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments and local general practices.

Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell praised Castle Hill Medical Centre and WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN) for their work in establishing a respiratory clinic to help test locals for COVID-19. (Pictured L-R): Julian Leeser MP, Hon. Alex Hawke MP, Jane Assange, Director, Primary Care Transformation and Integration WentWest, Ian Lowe, CEO Castle Hill Medical Centre, Dr Nigel Grebert, Castle Hill Medical Centre and Ray Messom, CEO, Wentwest.

“Mitchell residents have been exemplary in their actions throughout the pandemic, and clinics such as the one here Castle Hill will allow locals to be tested in a safe environment.” he said.

"This is great news for people in the Castle Hill region as we want as many people as possible who are suffering any of these symptoms to get tested," said Mr Hawke.

“Alongside these clinics, the COVIDSafe app helps to improve tracing and help keep more people safe and I encourage all members of the community to download the app.”

Throughout Australia there are now more than 436 clinics operating nationwide that include over:

•         102 GP led respiratory clinics funded by the Commonwealth

•         305 state fever clinics funded jointly by the Commonwealth and States

•         29 ADF clinics funded by the Commonwealth.

The clinics supplement a range of measures, including additional practice incentives and the expansion of telehealth, to enable the medical workforce to continue to care for Australians through the pandemic.

The respiratory clinics have thorough infection prevention and control protocols to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19. They provide assessments and testing for all people with symptoms to detect cases and allow them to be isolated as early as possible.

The Clinic is located at Level 1, Castle Mall, 4-16 Terminus St, Castle Hill and is open between the hours of Monday to Friday, 8.00am-5.00pm.

Appointments can be made by visiting https://castlehillmedicalcentre.com.au/ or calling 9634 5000.