COVID testing is now being offered to the public at Wonthaggi Hospital and the Phillip Island Health Hub at Cowes.
Monash Health Pathology is delivering the service, with both sites offering PCR tests and distributing Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) to eligible people. Staff will assess your eligibility however criteria includes those with COVID symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and fever; household and household-like contacts; workplace exposure and education exposure; and symptomatic people with a valid disability card and high-risk industry surveillance.
For PCR tests and RATs, you must bring photo ID and/or a Medicare card. Please pre-register for PCR testing and RAT distribution online here: https://testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill
At Wonthaggi Hospital, people seeking a PCR test and RATs will be able to access the hospital via Main Entrance. Bass Coast Health staff will check in patients and provide an N95 mask that patients will be required to wear. PCR testing and RATs will be available from Monday to Saturday, 9am-1pm.
At Phillip Island Health Hub, people will be able to have a PCR test and receive RATs if eligible. Bass Coast Health staff will check in patients and provide an N95 mask that patients will be required to wear. PCR testing and RATs will be available 12.30pm-3.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, effective from 30 May.
BCH CEO Jan Child said the health service was pleased to partner with Monash Health Pathology to provide the service in convenient locations for the community.
“Monash Health Pathology already provides pathology services from both sites and has the expertise and facilities to be able to provide COVID testing, having analysed our COVID test samples throughout the pandemic so far,” she said.
“By Monash Health Pathology providing the service, Bass Coast Health is able to bring testing staff who worked at the former Wonthaggi Drive-through testing service into other roles within the health service to help alleviate the staff shortfall that we have been experiencing.
“We encourage everyone showing symptoms of COVID to have a RAT or PCR test if they are unable to access a RAT to help continue to restrict the spread of the highly-contagious COVID within our community."
RATs are also available at most pharmacists (free for pensioners), at schools for students, as well as select service stations and supermarkets.