COVID-19 patients in the ACT who don’t require hospital admission are now able to receive clinical support from the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre, which was recently confirmed as a dedicated Respiratory Assessment Centre (RAC).
This follows an announcement last week that COVID-19 testing criteria in Canberra will expand from today, 6 April, with a “random” number of Canberrans, who would otherwise not qualify, to be tested at the Weston Creek RAC and the drive-through testing station at EPIC.
COVID-19 patients who need support but not hospitalisation will participate in a tele-health consultation with an RAC health care worker who will determine what care they need. This may include:
- A physical assessment
- Reassurance and advice
- An appointment with a RAC General Practitioner (GP)
- A referral to an in-reach service such as Hospital in the Home or community nursing
- Post hospital support and follow up for positive cases will also be available.
Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith, “The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre has been playing a vital role in our response to COVID-19. Expanding services through a dedicated Respiratory Assessment Centre will ensure COVID-19 patients who are recovering at home get the care and support they need.
“This service will help to reduce the number of patients presenting at emergency departments or being admitted to hospital by providing expert medical support quickly and conveniently.”
The services will be provided by Advance Practice Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and GPs who will be supported by the Infectious Diseases and General Medicine Specialists at Canberra Health Services.
RAC GPs will liaise with the patient’s regular GP, if they have one, to ensure a smooth handover and appropriate sharing of relevant information.
Ms Stephen-Smith said Canberra Health Services has been working closely with Capital Health Network and CALMS to identify available and suitable GPs to support this work and thanks those who have put their hands up for these important new roles.
“This is a great example of how the whole ACT health system is pulling together to deliver a patient-centred response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The ACT Government’s top priority is to respond to the spread of COVID-19 in our community, ensuring we are doing everything we can to protect the health of Canberrans and our healthcare workforce,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
People seeking treatment for minor injuries or other illness are requested to attend the Walk-in Centres at Tuggeranong, Belconnen or Gungahlin and leave Weston Creek for COVID-19 related cases.
For more information and advice: www.covid19.act.gov.au
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