Drive-through COVID-19 testing in Busselton

Busselton Clinipath opened its driveway to a new private pathological COVID-19 testing facility today.

The drive-through clinic is situated on Cook Street in the Busselton light industrial area with tests free for any patient with a medical referral.

In an effort to expand WA’s testing capabilities, the State Government has been working with Clinipath to establish the new clinics.

Clinipath laboratory manager Alex Pollard said the clinic would allow patients to maintain social distancing and was a testament to the “expediency” of the State Government.

“There are other clinics available but my understanding is they are only testing for COVID-19, our testing covers acute viruses such as influenza and other respiratory diseases.

“Our collectors are fully trained with full PPE on and results should be available within 24-48 hours. The test is not too unpleasant, one of our collectors will swab the nasal passage as well as the throat. It’s fairly quick and innocuous but proven to be highly effective.”

The drive-through testing centre will be open between 8am and 4pm with patients needing to book appointments with Clinipath and arrive five minutes before that appointment is scheduled.

Test collectors will call patients mobiles with instructions before the test is conducted and all tests will be bulk billed.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam described offering local testing as “critical” to ensuring the South West maintained a low positive case number.

“This is a positive step forward for this region and it represents another tool in our capabilities to respond to COVID-19 and also supports the easing of restrictions going forward,” she said.

“It is essential as a regional community this area can respond to any case spikes. Being able to provide expanded testing opportunities for more accessible testing is key to taking the next step in the fight against COVID-19.”

Private testing is also taking place at a Clinipath drive-through facility in South Bunbury, as well as metropolitan clinics in Osborne Park and Myaree.