Federal Government funds additional virus test centre

An extra fever clinic is now open for business as testing staff have been praised for their efforts at easing the fears of patients showing symptoms. We list your local COVID-19 clinics.

CORONAVIRUS testing has ramped up on the Redlands Coast with a new fever clinic now open at Alexandra Hills.

The federally funded centre at SmartClinics Family Medical Centre is the second facility available for local residents, following the Redland Hospital clinic which opened on March 12.

SmartClinics quality assurance manager Andrew Edmunds said the combination of a GP practice and specialised testing was working well.

The clinic is currently testing about eight patients a day, and is yet to report a confirmed COVID-19 case in the few days it has been open.

“The clinic setup enables patients to be suitably assessed, tested if necessary and counselled about what to do next,” Mr Edmunds said.

“Patients have appreciated the calm and composure of clinic staff and doctors as they are aware the clinic is purposefully set up to support them during this stage of uncertainty – especially if they are concerned they may have COVID-19.”

SmartClinics Alexandra Hills staff ready to test for coronavirus.

“A stand-alone respiratory clinic offers the opportunity for patients in the region to access usual GP care when exhibiting a sore throat, temperature, cold and flu-like symptoms – or other COVID-19 risk factors – in a safe, secure and specialised environment.

“This enables greater satisfaction and preparedness for GPs, nurses and administration staff at the clinic.”

At Redland Hospital an eight-strong team of nurses, supported by as many administration officers, are working hard, testing and swabbing patients.

Outpatients registered nurse Natalie Yates said she was happy to volunteer for the

clinic.

Redland Hospital COVID-19 screening clinic team (from left) registered nurse Natalie Yates, operational services team member Diane Alton and administration officer Pauline Hanning.

“This is an honour and we are happy to be able to answer people’s questions when they are here, to help keep them calm,” Ms Yates said.

“People are concerned and it can get quite emotional with some patients, so it’s important that we support them and support each other.”

Clinic nurse unit manager Louise Carter said she was extremely proud of the team and the work they were doing.

“We are all working together to make sure our community stays safe and healthy,” she said.

“We are grateful for the support of the community and that everyone is listening to the ‘stay at home’ message which is making our job much easier.”

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Patients are forewarned that health workers present in full personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of both staff and patients.

The new Alexandra Hills testing site means southside patients now have access to six fever clinics, located at Cleveland, Cornubia, Meadowbrook, Woolloongabba and Coopers Plains.

FIND YOUR CLOSEST CLINIC

SmartClinics, Alexandra Hills: open M-F 8am to 5pm, bookings essential, phone [phone].

Redland Hospital, Cleveland: open seven days 8.30am to 4pm, call your GP or 13HEALTH first.

Shailer Park Respiratory Clinic, Cornubia: open seven days from 8am to 6pm, phone [phone].

Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook: open seven days from 8am to 6pm, bookings not required.

Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba: open seven days from 8am to 4pm, bookings not required.

QEII Jubilee Hospital, Coopers Plains: open seven days, 10am to 6pm.

MORE FEVER TESTING CLINIC STORIES

Clinic instructs anyone symptomatic to test

Qld’s first respiratory clinic opens