Four new private COVID-19 collection centres are set to open on Monday May 4, with new South-West sites to be established in Busselton and South Bunbury, and two new metropolitan sites for Myaree and Osborne Park.
The State Government is working with Clinipath to establish the four new drive-through clinics, which will complement the 11 other private testing sites announced earlier this month, further expanding WA’s testing capabilities.
Clinipath will run the test sites as drive-through clinics so people do not need to leave their vehicle.
COVID-19 testing is also taking place at seven hospital sites across the metropolitan area and at the Bunbury Health Campus and Broome Hospital, as well as at emergency departments in regional and metropolitan WA.
People who meet the testing criteria can visit their GP for referral to the private clinics, or get a referral through a GP telehealth consultation. They can also present at a COVID clinic for testing without a referral.
There are more than 100 public hospitals, health services or remote area health clinics which can test patients in regional and remote areas.
Health Minister Roger Cook said as more testing equipment and reagents have become available, they have been able to expand testing to make it available to a wider proportion of the community.
“While WA is currently in the fortunate position of having low daily case numbers, we can’t become complacent about testing,” he said.
“That’s why expanding the reach of these centres is so important.
“Being able to track the number of positive cases is a vital part of reducing the spread of COVID-19, and flattening the curve.”
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said she welcomed the announcement that Busselton would benefit from a drive-through COVID-19 testing facility, in addition to a drive through service in Bunbury as well.
“Accessible and expanded testing is a critical tool in easing restrictions and opening the economy,” she said.
“It is also an important measure to be taken to prevent or respond to any spikes of the COVID-19 virus in the community.
“I have provided support by writing to the Minister for Health seeking his endorsement for expanded testing through the approval of COVID testing at accredited private laboratories, who have significant capacity.
“This extra capacity provides opportunity for testing at sites across regional WA.
“Greater accessibility of testing through the private sector will increase our testing rates with increased convenience for local residents, with the provision of home collection services at no additional cost to the patient or the state.
“The Federal Government have supported this endeavor through the endorsement of this service by Medicare.”
For more information telephone the COVID-19 Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for advice and find more information by visiting healthywa.wa.gov.au.
