By Jessica Micallef
A coronavirus testing clinic has been set up in Sunbury.
Sunbury Community Health has partnered with Western Health to open the clinic at the former Sunbury Lions Community Aged Care site on Timins Street.
Sunbury Community Health chief executive Phillip Ripper said the clinic, which opened on May 4, tested more than 60 people during its first day of operation.
“The clinic has received a fantastic response,” he said.
“We had people queuing from 9am before the doors opened.
“We’re extremely pleased with the initial response. Although there was a reasonable waiting time when we first opened, we are confident that the initial rush will slow and waiting times will come down.“
Mr Ripper said Western Health nurses are currently testing aged care workers, health workers, people with chronic diseases and anyone over the age of six displaying the mildest of cold and flu symptoms.
But Mr Ripper said the testing criteria could very well change to include asymptomatic cases.
“That would be the next step,” he said.
“The criteria changes regularly so it’s always good to check before you come.“
Nurses at the clinic will be wearing the “appropriate protective equipment” and no doctor referral or bookings are necessary to be tested.
“They [nurses] are all highly trained,” Mr Ripper said.
“High standards of infection control will be maintained and measures to ensure physical distancing within and around the facility will be ensured.
“We are very proud of the Sunbury community and people’s willingness to get on board and be tested. The way the community has come together and responded to this crisis has been fantastic.”
The Sunbury clinic is one of 43 COVID-19 testing sites operating across the state, including a respiratory clinic in the old ambulance bays at the rear of Kyneton hospital which opened last month and the Respiratory Assessment Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.
Western Health executive director of operations Natasha Toohey said any new local testing clinic was a step in the right direction to get more tests done.
“Western Health welcomes the opportunity to broaden access to COVID-19 testing to our communities,” she said.
“More than 4000 people have already been tested at our Respiratory Assessment Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.”
The Sunbury testing clinic is at 29 Timins Street and will operate Monday to Friday, from 10am-4pm.
More information: 9744 4455
