Denmark Health Service opens new COVID-19 drive through-testing clinic

Denmark Health Service has opened a new drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic to ramp up the Great Southern town’s testing capabilities and relieve pressure on its emergency department.

The clinic has been set up in the hospital’s carpark under a big marquee to enable people to remain in their vehicles while obtaining a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

Clinical nurse manager Kylie Spencer said the clinic was opened to meet the increasing demand for COVID-19 tests.

“(It was opened) to provide capacity for increased testing as the transmission of COVID increases in the community, and relieve pressure on the emergency department,” she said.

“It enables residents and visitors the opportunity to book in for a test, in a low risk setting where they do not need to enter the hospital.”

Similar testing clinics have been set up across the State, such as the drive-through respiratory clinic at Pioneer Health Albany.

West Australians are being advised to continue utilising PCR testing clinics while staff are able to manage testing demand, according to the WA Department of Health.

“Currently it is recommended that any symptomatic members of the community present for a PCR test as this is the gold standard test,” Ms Spencer said.

“The clinic is for testing only and no medical assessment will be conducted.

“Consumers are encouraged to contact their GP or attend the emergency department for urgent medical care if needed.”

The clinic will run from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 2.30pm as long there is demand due to increasing COVID-19 cases.