Esther Lauaki
By Esther Lauaki
A Brimbank health service will lead frontline teams to prevent further COVID outbreaks and another lockdown in Melbourne.
A consortium of community health organisations, led by Deer Park-based IPC Health, are deploying COVID-19 Rapid Response Testing teams across metropolitan Melbourne.
The community health organisations have the experience and capacity to rapidly respond and manage any outbreaks that may occur with expert nurse-led and GP-supported Rapid Response Testing teams.
The consortium comprises DPV Health, EACH, Star Health and cohealth, who will work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services and other community organisations across metro Melbourne to ensure local and culturally appropriate community coverage to prevent and manage any further outbreaks.
IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said the teams operate seven days a week and are scalable to testing sites of varying sizes, such as residential services, corrections facilities, meat processing organisations, schools and various essential service workplaces.
“Community Health and local responders are very much at the front line of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Nelson said.
“Community health intervention is a far gentler way to give people what they need, without further trauma and lockdowns.
“We know the virus is causing high levels of anxiety in the community and that trusted relationships are key to engaging, educating, and supporting people in at-risk and vulnerable communities helping them to adapt and adopt safe behaviours and get tested.
“Rapid Response Testing teams are delivering urgent testing, medical care and education to the community at large, easing the burden on hospitals and emergency departments.”
