Inside Gold Coast COVID-19 testing facility: How it works, and why you should get tested too

The swab itself looks like a 15cm-long stick with a cotton bud-type brush at the end. After a quick wipe of the back of my throat, it goes up my nose. SEE THE FULL LIST OF WHERE TO GET TESTED ON COAST

WHERE TO GET TESTED ON THE GOLD COAST

Burleigh Cove Respiratory Clinic

Shop 13/109 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Waters

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm

Bookings are required – No referral is required. 

Book online at HotDoc or burleighcrc.com.au or call 0410 831 919

Haan – Upper Coomera Respiratory Clinic

Ground Floor, Shop 6/21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera

Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5pm

Saturday 9am – 1pm

Bookings are required – No referral is required. 

Book online at HotDoc or call 07 5529 7125

Hope Island Respiratory Clinic

10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Mon – Friday 1pm – 5pm

Saturday 8am-12noon

Hours are being adjusted during peak demand please refer to online booking appointments or call the Hope Island GP Respiratory for appointment times.

Bookings are required – No referral is required. 

Book online at HotDoc or call 07 5563 5151

Kalwun Nerang Respiratory Clinic

14 Nerang Street, Nerang

Details: This clinic is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families and vulnerable people. Patients are to phone ahead to book an appointment.

Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm

Bookings are required – No GP referral required. 

Online at HotDoc, call 0455 026 553

Gold Coast University Hospital 

1 Hospital Blvd, Southport, 4215

Corner of Hollows Way and Hospital Boulevard, next to the multi-storey car park.

9:00-21:00 7 Days

Drop in, no GP referral required.

Notes: Screening stations at the entrances near the main entrance, emergency department, ground floor foyer, and the level 1 outpatient clinic entrance, you will be directed to the fever clinic AFTER being seen at the screening station

Additional information: If you require a test for reasons such as overseas travel or work please visit your GP for a referral to a suitable clinic.

Robina Hospital

 Campus Cres, Robina, 4226

Level 2 in the Robina Health Precinct Building (opposite Robina Hospital)

9:00-21:00 7 Days 

Drop in, no GP referral required.

Additional information: If you require a test for reasons such as overseas travel or work please visit your GP for a referral to a suitable clinic.

DRIVE-THROUGH TESTING 

 QML Pathology - Carrara Markets carpark

 Cnr Gooding Drive & Manchester Rd, Carrara, 4211

Drive-through: Yes

Opening Hours: 07:30-15:30 Monday -Friday

No booking needed, GP referral not required.

QML - Australian Outback Spectacular Car Park

Address: Entertainment Rd, Oxenford, 4210

Drive-through: Yes

7:00-15:00 Monday -Friday, 08:00-12:00 Sat & Sun

No booking needed, GP referral not required

QML- Tweed Heads Bowling Club

 Cnr Wharf & Florence Street, Tweed Heads, 2485

Drive-through: Yes

7:30-15:00 Monday -Friday 

No booking needed, GP referral not required. 

WHAT IS THE TEST LIKE? 

FOR weeks doctors have implored the public not to dismiss symptoms and get tested.

Not just for ourselves, but for the good of others.

So when my no-friends sniffle and cough arrived — I signed up for the swab.

I even felt a little patriotic, digging my Medicare card out of the bottom of god knows which bag I left it in.

The online booking process for one of the Gold Coast’s four respiratory clinics was like an average appointment, except for a few extra COVID specific forms.

WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN AT COAST BORDER CHECK POINTS

Staff who sit behind a perspex barrier are not to be approached at the clinics. Instead patients are asked to call ahead and then call again when they arrive at the door.

On arrival, patients to the Hope Island Clinic are greeted with a large sign that asks them not to enter, but call the reception.

Patients are told to sit back in their car until they are called to enter when a doctor is free.

When that call comes, you are handed a mask and sanitiser by a staff member, who is acting as a quasi doorman, clad in pandemic-appropriate garb.

A little disappointed my homemade superman mask didn’t cut it, I swap to the medical variety.

MAYOR TOM TATE: SCHOOLIES NEEDS TO BE CANCELLED

The test was eye watering, but not painful. As is illustrated by my watering eye.

CALL FOR SECURITY GUARDS AS COVID TESTING STAFF COP ABUSE

I’m shuffled forward and exiting patients are guided out, like mannequins, so we do not get too close to one another.

Inside, the waiting room is stripped bare, save for a single plastic chair in the middle of the space. A perspex wall separates staff behind the counter from the public.

From there, a doctor in full safety get-up ushers patients into a consultation room.

“You can sit down, I cleaned the chairs, they are safe enough to eat off,” he declares.

I resist the urge to whip out a sandwich and sit down.

After a quick temperature test comes the moment most dread – the swab.

The swab itself looks like a 15cm-long stick with a cotton bud-type brush at the end.

After a quick wipe of the back of my throat, it goes up my nose.

BORDER HOPPERS CHARGED AND FINED AFTER CHECKPOINT LIES

The swap. This is used on the back of your throat and the back of your nose.

As a woman in my mid-twenties, I have endured many not-so-comfortable medical check-ups, so this didn’t even rate in my top 10.

Truly, the experience is not as terrible as I had heard. Instead it was quick and pain-free.

A similar sensation to the weird moment before a sneeze — only this lasts a little longer. Although it did bring water to the eyes.

That was it. No need to pay, all done in 20 minutes.

Time to wait for the test results and self-isolate.

It was tough, but I made sure to skip the Maccas drive through on the way home. Another patriotic decision I thought.

‘EVERY DAY IS A GOOD ONE’: BEHIND THE COAST’S DRUG ADDICTION FIGHT

Doctors are fully covered up to swab patients - ready for any coughing and spluttering that might happen.

I admit I’m fortunate to have access to sick leave and the ability to work from home, while isolation rules are far more difficult for those working in casual roles.

Just over 24 hours later my results come back via text at 7pm, although the wait can vary.

A collegue who was tested on the same day is still waiting, more than 72 hours down the track.

I’m certified all clear, for those wondering.

The sniffles and cough have gone on holiday too. Outstayed their welcome.

If they call again I am happy to revisit the testing process. So should you.

Originally published as Inside Gold Coast COVID-19 testing facility: How it works, and why you should get tested too