Hunter New England Health will hand the running of the Tomaree Sports Complex drive through COVID-19 testing clinic to Laverty Pathology which will consolidate its two clinics on the peninsula into one.
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A HNEH spokesperson told the Examiner that Laverty Pathology on Thursday consolidated its clinic at Tomaree Community Hospital and would take over testing at the drive through from Monday, August 24.
"The drive through clinic at the Tomaree Sports Complex will transfer from HNE Health to Laverty Pathology on Monday and continue to provide free COVID-19 testing to the local community," the HNEH spokesperson said.
"Laverty Pathology will consolidate its Tomaree hospital clinic... with the drive through as current numbers indicate the drive through can provide adequate capacity for Tomaree and surrounds.
"Fortunately, there are no active COVID cases in the area but we urge everyone in the community to continue to present for free testing if you have the mildest of flu-like symptoms."
The Laverty Pathology drive through clinic will operate 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Patients will no longer need to book an appointment prior to presenting at the clinic for testing.
A Laverty Pathology spokesperson said there was still a need for a testing clinic on the Tomaree Peninsula but with a lower number of people currently presenting for testing compared to in July when there were seven confirmed cases in Port Stephens, it "made sense" to "consolidate our resources".
"We're confident testing can be handled at the one collection point. We're encouraging anyone with symptoms to come see us at the Tomaree drive through clinic to get tested," the Laverty spokesperson said.
The three lane testing station is located in the carpark behind the Elizabeth Waring building overlooking No. 1 match field. To join the testing queue residents must drive into the main entrance to Tomaree Sports Complex off Nelson Bay Road.
Laverty asks residents presenting at the drive through clinic to not to get out of their car and, when asked by a staff member, to show their ID, Medicare card and pathology request form if they have one (a form is not required though). Once this is done, a staff member will collect a throat and nose swab sample.
Negative results will be available to the patient via SMS (if consent and a mobile phone number are provided) within 48 hours.
All ages are welcome at the clinic from Monday, including children. Previously, HNEH was advising that children under the age of 5 should not get tested at the drive through clinic.
The HNEH spokesperson said between July 23, when the drive through clinic opened following a number of positive cases arising in Port Stephens, and August 18, a total of 3270 people had been tested at the Nelson Bay sports complex.
About 60 to 90 people are currently presenting at the drive through clinic daily.
Testing in Port Stephens can also be sought at Raymond Terrace Respiratory Clinic by appointment. To book, phone (02) 4983 0900 or click here.
"Patients are only eligible to book into our clinic if they are experiencing respiratory symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms you must: self isolate until you are able to get tested, remain isolating until you receive a negative result and are no longer experiencing symptoms," the clinic said.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
