The COVID-19 Testing Clinic has relocated from the Mostyn Street site to the Castlemaine Stadium in McGrath Street, Wesley Hill.
The clinic is already up and running, with testing having commenced at the new site on Wednesday, 8 December. Relocation of the clinic has been supported by the site owner, Mount Alexander Shire Council, and the Department of Health.
The move has been prompted by the need for safer facilities for staff and clients, especially as the temperature rises through the Summer months. The new site also offers greater testing capacity for when demand surges.
Castlemaine Health CEO Sue Race said: “We know from experience that the hot weather puts enormous pressure on staff working outdoors in full PPE. The testing team work incredibly hard to help protect our community, so we need to make sure they’re safe and supported.”
The COVID-19 Testing Clinic will operate from a marquee in the Castlemaine Stadium carpark as a drive-through facility. The Castlemaine Stadium carpark will be closed when the COVID-19 Testing Clinic is operating. The clinic currently runs from 9.30am to 11.30am Monday to Friday.
The Castlemaine Stadium is a popular venue and regularly hosts a wide range of recreational activities for the local community. Visitors taking part in daytime activities should use on-street parking when the COVID-19 clinic is operating. Most afternoon and evening users will be able to continue parking onsite, with on-street parking available.
Ms Race said: “This is a big change but it’s necessary to enable us to continue safely managing our local testing capacity. I know from feedback just how much the community values this vital service and the professionalism of the staff who run it. On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank the community, particularly Castlemaine Stadium users, local residents and the Mount Alexander Shire Council, for their support as we make this important change.”
The site will be protected by 24-hour security and traffic control. Impact on the surrounding neighbourhood will be minimised with traffic being directed off street as much as possible.
To make a booking for COVID-19 testing, contact the COVID-19 Testing Clinic on 5479 1005 or register online at www.chirp.org.au
Note to editors:
CHIRP Community Health is now integrated with Castlemaine Health. Integration was formally implemented on 1 October 2021.
