By Olivia Condous
Melton residents are receiving better support to manage respiratory conditions with the recent addition of a free general practitioner respiratory clinic (GPRC).
The municipality 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.
According to North Western Primary Health Network (NWPHN), more than 35,000 people have been to GPRCs across the metro area since they started to open in December and collectively the clinics have provided more than 99,000 services.
Data collected by the NWPHN showed that 11 per cent of adult users of the clinics said they would have gone to the hospital if the clinic had not been available.
NWPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said the organisation was aware that it was becoming more difficult to access primary care with increasing demand over winter, especially for patients with respiratory symptoms.
“The new clinics in Hoppers Crossing and Melton are providing additional services to improve access at a time of significant need,” Mr Carter said.
“People respond best to health care when it is offered within their local community.
“Accessing services close to home is easier, less disruptive and less traumatic, especially for children.”
