A new GP-led respiratory clinic (GPRC) for kids has opened in North Melbourne, to help ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments.
The paediatric GPRC is located at 505 Abbotsford Street, North Melbourne and is operated by community health service, cohealth, commissioned by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) and funded by the department of health.
The service is free for Victorians, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, and no Medicare card is required.
“Keeping kids out of hospital is a number one priority for everyone, and these new paediatric GP respiratory clinics give parents a pathway that doesn’t involve going to ED,” cohealth chief executive, Nicole Bartholomeusz said.
As well as treating children with respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, the clinic will also test and treat the parents who bring them.
“We will treat the whole family – parents and their children are welcome,” Ms Bartholomeusz said.
“This will mean families can all be treated at the same location, by the same GP.”
The clinic is open 6-11pm on weekdays, and 10am to 6pm on weekends in an effort to meet the need for after-hours treatment.
“This child-focused GPRC is located close to the Royal Children’s Hospital so is easy to reach,” NWMPHN chief executive, Christopher Carter said.
“It represents an excellent, free alternative to taking your children to the Emergency Department. Of course, if the child is in severe distress you should
still call an ambulance on 000.”
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