The Tasmanian government has rush orders in for two new types of portable clinics to be used for COVID-19 testing.
Local company Pod Matrix at Cambridge in Tasmania’s south is constructing 12 pre-fabricated and flatpack modular coronavirus testing clinics. Each unit has two modern consulting rooms separated by a common area for storage of clean personal protective equipment for medical staff to utilise.
Installation of four modules for the south has commenced, with another eight modules being constructed to service the North and North West, which will be installed from mid-April. These clinics will be established at the Elphin Sports Centre in Launceston and the East Devonport Recreation Centre.
Services will commence at the sites as demand increases for COVID-19 responses.
“Plans are also being developed for drive-through screening/testing capability at each clinic site, similar to that which we have seen in other states and at some private clinics in Tasmania,” said Minister for Health Sarah Courtney.
The construction of the twelve modules and other infrastructure to support clinics is approximately $1 million.
“We know this is an extremely tough time for the community, but Tasmanians can be assured we will continue to do whatever it takes to stop the spread of coronavirus in Tasmania,” said the Minister. “We are boosting our services and delivering the infrastructure our health professionals need to deliver safe care.”
Meanwhile North West company Penguin Composites is fitting out buses which will operate as mobile coronavirus testing clinics.
“Our number one priority is keeping Tasmanians as safe and secure as possible during the unprecedented challenges we are currently facing,” Minister Courtney said.
The first bus is expected to be brought into service in the coming days, with the second and third buses to be available later in the month.
A fourth bus has also been purchased from Metro, with fit out to be commissioned shortly.
“All clinics and their operations are designed to align with the strategies within our COVID-19 response plan,” said Courtney.
