Parents of unwell children are being encouraged to take their kids to a GP-led respiratory clinic (GPRC) in North Melbourne instead of the emergency department at the nearby Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Children, such as those from Brimbank, can receive free treatment for respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including COVID-19.
The clinic opened in September 2022 and is operated by cohealth and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
“We know the RCH emergency room is under great pressure at the moment, and this clinic is a great way to connect kids with respiratory symptoms to doctors and nurses,” cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said.
“By coming here, parents and children will be treated quickly, and we can help reduce the demand at the hospital.”
The clinic is open 5-10pm on weekdays, and 10am – 6pm on weekends, and cohealth notes the opening hours are designed to meet the need for after-hours treatment.
“The GPRC is an excellent alternative for prompt treatment for respiratory diseases and parents can take their children there instead of the Royal Children’s Hospital,” NWMPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said.
“The clinic and the hospital are in constant contact with each other, so parents can rest assured that their young ones will receive the best possible treatment.”
Details: 505 Abbotsford St, North Melbourne or 0486 008 315
