By Olivia Condous
Wyndham residents are receiving better support to manage respiratory conditions with the recent addition of a free general practitioner respiratory clinic.
Hoppers Crossing was one of six to recently open a new respiratory clinic, designed to cater to patients with low to moderate symptoms and provide free and immediate treatment, in order to take pressure off hospital emergency departments.
The clinics offer in-person treatment for respiratory conditions such as asthma, influenza and pneumonia, as well as COVID-19 via telehealth services.
There were 20 clinics also opened across the state earlier in the year, bringing the total number of government run clinics across the state to 53.
The state government provided $54 million in funding to run the clinics, which will operate up to 16 hours daily, seven days a week.
The free services will be available to people of all ages and a Medicare card is not required.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said the addition of more clinics meant more Victorians can receive treatment close to home.
“To keep the pressure off our hospitals we’re continuing to look at alternative options for non-urgent conditions, opening more of these clinics is just one of the ways we’re doing that.”
