SWAN Hill District Health (SHDH) acting chief executive officer Chloe Keogh says the coronavirus pandemic has been a challenge that the health service has embraced.
“We are immensely proud of all our staff for the way they have rallied together and performed in the face of this health crisis,” Ms Keogh said.
So far, SHDH’s acute respiratory clinic has tested more than 1330 people, including 85 school staff during the targeted testing between May 13 and 26.
Targeted testing of school staff was undertaken in accordance with government advice ahead of the resumption of face-to-face learning at Victorian schools.
“This voluntary testing allowed school staff to access testing regardless of symptoms before returning to education facilities and offered a valuable opportunity to screen a vital part of our community for the presence of COVID-19,” Ms Keogh said.
She attributed the low number of cases in the Swan Hill region – three – to the community’s uptake of testing.
“It is imperative people continue to access testing if they have even mild COVID-19 symptoms including a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, sweats and chills, shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell,” Ms Keogh said.
She added staff across all areas of the health service had been flexible in their service delivery and worked to overcome the “many challenge” that arose.
“As restrictions ease around the state, we caution our community to do what they can to stay safe, this includes continuing to practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene, staying informed and being aware of current government advice and, most importantly, staying home and getting tested if you feel unwell,” Ms Keogh said.
“This pandemic is not over yet and while we are slowly transitioning to the ‘new normal’, our staff remain well-prepared to respond to any COVID-19 cases which may present in the community.
“Testing continues to be available to those who are symptomatic. We’d also like to remind the community our doors are still open. We are asking people not to put off seeking advice or accessing our services as needed.
“We know the day to day accidents and the chronic illnesses haven’t gone away and we’re here to help.”
COVID-19 symptoms
– Fever
– Chills or sweats
– Cough
– Sore throat
– Shortness of breath
– Runny nose
– Loss of smell
