Mildura, Warrnambool: New respiratory clinics to open to take pressure off emergency departments

Emergency departments in regional Victoria will get some relief when additional general practice respiratory clinics open in the state’s north and south-west.

Emergency departments in regional Victoria will get some relief when additional general practice respiratory clinics open in Mildura and Warrnambool.

The $54 million dollar project will mean there are 53 respiratory clinics across the state, including Commonwealth-funded clinics.

It comes as Victoria has reported almost 30,000 cases of the flu this year – a 30 per cent increase from the last pre-Covid flu season in 2019.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said winter was a particularly challenging time for the health system.

“This winter has highlighted the importance of a strong primary care network and we need to ensure that Victorians can access the appropriate medical support without having to go to an emergency department,” Ms Thomas said.

There are 36 clinics opened in metropolitan Melbourne and 17 clinics in regional Victoria.

The respiratory clinics allow patients with low to moderate symptoms to receive free and immediate treatment for a range or respiratory conditions such as asthma, influenza and pneumonia.

Operating up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week, the service is free for people of all ages, with or without a Medicare card.

Telehealth options are also available for Covid positive patients or those unable to travel to a clinic.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the clinics relieve pressures in busy emergency departments and prevent avoidable visits to hospital.

“By further expanding this free, high-quality service, even more Victorians can now receive treatment and care for respiratory conditions close to home,” he said.

“To keep the pressure off our hospitals we‘re continuing to look at alternative options for non-urgent conditions.”

The list of respiratory clinic locations can be found online at health.vic.gov.au/covid-19/gp-respiratory-clinics-and-hospital-respiratory-clinics-covid-19.