11 July 2022
Testing and vaccine clinics to close amidst local COVID-19 wave
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson says a decision to close the 1300SMILES COVID-19 testing clinic and vaccination hub right when a serious wave of the virus is spreading throughout the community could not come at a worse time.
Mr Thompson said the decision had created a situation where health authorities were telling people to get tested and have additional vaccinations, while at the same time removing opportunities for them to do so.
“Townsville is experiencing a significant wave of COVID-19 infections. This is not the time to be closing down both the 1300SMILES testing clinic, and the vaccination clinic,” he said.
“For more than 2 years, people have been told to get tested, and become used to going to 1300SMILES. This has been an excellent facility with fantastic staff who’ve been extremely dedicated to keeping our community safe.
“If it closes, we’ll see people clogging up the already overrun Emergency Department to get a test.
“The more barriers we have in place to people doing the right thing, the harder it will be to stop the spread.”
The Townsville Hospital and Health Service announced on Friday that the 1300SMILES clinic would shut on Friday 22 July, with PCRs only accessible via private pathology clinics.
“Telling people to go to a private pathology clinic to get a test, not knowing if they’ll be bulk-billed or not, isn’t good enough – and will add stress and confusion,” Mr Thompson said.
“The overwhelming view in the community is while RATs are good, people want the certainty that comes with a PCR test.
“I know our health staff are already working incredibly hard. If there aren’t enough, the Service needs to look at every avenue available to support them and put more on to ensure the clinic can still operate, or contract a private provider as has been done plenty of times in the past.
“Our businesses need this clinic to stay open too. If more people go to work while infectious because they haven’t had a test, we will see even more staff shortages and possibly even business closures.”
Meanwhile the Woodman Court vaccination clinic will administer its last doses on Sunday 21 August.
“This comes right when the Chief Health Officer is writing in the Courier-Mail, pleading with people to get their boosters. At the same time the Federal Health Minister is telling older people about the need for a fourth jab,” Mr Thompson said.
“Fourth doses for 30-64-year-olds start today.
“Like the testing clinic, the vaccination hub has been a well-run, convenient location for people to get their vaccinations. How could now possibly be the right time for the clinic to close?
“I urge the State Government to do everything it can and keep these two facilities operational at least until this wave has passed.”
The move comes as the Federal Labor Government confirms it will not extend the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment of $750 for people who miss work after testing positive for COVID-19.
“As we face this wave, we need people to be able to have the financial means to be able to stay home and isolate, so we don’t have unnecessary pressure on our health system or further workforce shortages,” Mr Thompson said.
ENDS