Ongoing COVID-19 cases in Victoria has highlighted the critical role of primary care in reducing demand on hospitals, including presentations to emergency departments (EDs) for respiratory-type symptoms.

The Victorian Government and Victorian Primary Health Networks are collaborating to support more Victorians to access respiratory assessments and COVID-19 testing and care close to where they live.

Eight new GP respiratory clinics (GPRCs) will be rapidly set up across metropolitan Melbourne to support people of all ages with respiratory symptoms to access a comprehensive respiratory assessment (including COVID-19 testing and other pathogen testing) and receive immediate support in management of their illness. Clinics will also provide care for patients with COVID-19. Services will be available to those with or without a Medicare card, at no cost to the patient, with the fit for purpose facility open after hours.

Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from accredited general practices in our priority local government areas (LGAs), City of Whitehorse and Shire of Yarra Ranges, to rapidly establish two GP respiratory clinics that have assessment, testing and initial treatment support capabilities. Accredited general practices and community health services with GPs may express their interest in participating in the program as per the guidelines below.

This EOI is intended to identify individual general practices capable of participating in this program, with rollout to commence in May 2022 An EOI should be completed for each individual practice location.