A series of Coronavirus (COVID-19) clinics will open in regional South Australia over the coming days as the Marshall Liberal Government rolls out its plan to further protect and prepare the community against the spread of the virus.
The state’s first regional clinic opened on Tuesday the 17th, at Mount Barker Hospital ensuring that those in the area have access to timely testing and treatment for Coronavirus.
Premier Steven Marshall said the health and safety of all South Australians is the Government’s number one priority.
“The establishment of regional clinics forms part of our plan which is focused on ensuring all parts of South Australia, both metropolitan and regional, are prepared for the impact of the Coronavirus,” the Premier said.
“We are encouraging people who have symptoms and have recently travelled, or been in close contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, to present for testing.
“In addition to the Mount Barker clinic, drive-through COVID-19 testing clinics in both Whyalla and Port Augusta are expected to be operational in the coming days. This will ease the pressure on emergency departments and local GPs.
“We also want to take this opportunity to remind regional communities that these services are specifically designed for people who have recently returned from overseas travel or been in close contact with a confirmed Coronavirus case.
“This is another part of our strong response to Coronavirus. We want people to be alert, not alarmed during this time.”
Mount Barker Hospital’s Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Merridy Chester, said the Mt Barker clinic will help to maintain the flow through the emergency department, while assisting local GPs.
“We know there are a growing number of people requiring testing for Coronavirus in Mount Barker and the establishment of this clinic will help to ease the pressure on our emergency department and deliver best practice infection control measures,” Ms Chester said.
“The clinic will mean we can assess, test and refer suspected, probable or confirmed cases of Coronavirus on for isolation, with the ability to directly liaise with SA Health’s
Communicable Disease Control Branch in the event the contact tracing process is required.
“We have two designated nurses who are trained in using personal protective equipment specific to infectious diseases, that will staff the clinic daily.
“This is an extremely positive step for the region, ensuring the segregation of potentially infectious Coronavirus cases while providing the most appropriate clinical care.”
The Mount Barker Hospital COVID-19 clinic is the first regional clinic to open in the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, with planning under way for additional clinics in the region.
Planning is also underway for COVID-19 clinics in other regional Local Health Networks.
Access to the Mount Barker Hospital COVID-19 clinic is through Gate 3. This is an ambulance only entrance, so people are encouraged to park in surrounding car parks and enter on foot following the signs to the clinic.
The clinic is open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.
RELATED ARTICLES
- SA COVID-19 cases surge by 50% in just a week, prompting health officials to issue warningThe state has witnessed a startling 50% increase in COVID-19 cases in just one week, coinciding with the onset of end-of-year celebrations.
- Fifth dose rollout starts as SAHMRI shows unvaccinated face higher risks from COVIDNew SAHMRI analysis of SA COVID data released today shows people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 face much higher risks as fifth booster rolls out.
- Fifth Covid-19 vaccine to be rolled out across Australia later this monthThe Federal Government has confirmed that a fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccination will be rolled out across the country later this month.
- Australia announces COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from ChinaFrom 12:01am on Thursday 5 January 2023, travellers will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within the 48hrs prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result when travelling to Australia.
- Free masks to support South Aussies this ChristmasUp to 10,000 masks a day packaged in Christmas-themed wrappers are expected to be handed out over coming weeks.
- Major changes made to COVID-19 testing in new national management planMajor changes to COVID-19 testing have been announced today with Australians requiring a referral to obtain a PCR test from January 1st.
- Face masks reintroduced at two SA schools amid COVID-19 surgeTeachers and adults at two SA schools have been advised to wear masks for two weeks following outbreaks in a year 5/6 class and a disability unit.
- Get five free rapid antigen tests to manage current COVID-19 waveSouth Australians are now able to access five free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) from selected collection sites around the state.
- Dr Nicola Spurrier reveals latest Covid safety advice ahead of Christmas seasonAs Covid numbers begin to rise, SAs Chief Health Officer has offered some sound advice as the busy social season approaches.