Swab clinic staff go above and beyond during winter

With a long, cold and wet winter coming to an end, East Grampians Health Service has thanked its COVID-19 swab clinic staff for their work in sometimes harsh conditions.

The EGHS swab clinic is located in a marquee in the carpark to allow people to drive in and remain in their cars while undergoing a swab test.

“Our swab clinic staff go above and beyond in sometimes cold and wet conditions, but always greet our community members attending for a swab test with a smile and reassurance,” EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman said.

“I am very proud of the work they do and the service they provide to the community.”

Since March 2020 when COVID-19 swab test reporting commenced, through to July 2021, the EGHS swab clinic has collected 5612 swabs.

The highest monthly number of swabs carried out was 772 in July this year and the highest number of swabs carried out in one day was 60 tests on May 30 this year.

EGHS has now recruited a permanent swab clinician and administration support for the EGHS clinic, which operates from 1.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Bookings can be made by phoning 5352 9532 (preferably between 8.30am and 12.30pm). Urgent after hours swabbing is available through the Urgent Care Centre.

Pictured are EGHS COVID-19 Swab Clinic staff, Rheanna Mellington, Jess Hughes and Brenten Coleman, celebrating the end of winter next week