Kids’ respiratory clinic in North Melbourne can ease demand on Royal Children’s Hospital 

Local community health service provider Cohealth is reminding parents that they can take their unwell children to a GP-led respiratory clinic (GPRC) for kids in North Melbourne instead of the overwhelmed Emergency Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). 

The clinic, opened in September this year at 505 Abbotsford St in North Melbourne, is operated by Cohealth and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) and is geared to treating children (and parents or carers, if needed) with respiratory symptoms and illnesses, including COVID-19.  

The service is free, and no Medicare Card is required.  

“We know the RCH emergency room is under great pressure at the moment, and this clinic is a great way to connect kids with respiratory symptoms to doctors and nurses,” Cohealth chief executive Nicole Bartholomeusz said.

“By coming here, parents and children will be treated quickly – and we can help reduce the demand at the hospital.” 

The clinic is open from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays, and 10am to 6pm on weekends, and Cohealth says the opening hours are designed to meet the need for after-hours treatment. 

Funded by the Department of Health and NWMPHN, the clinic was established to provide a new tier for treatment for unwell children. 

“The GPRC is an excellent alternative for prompt treatment for respiratory diseases and parents can take their children there instead of the Royal Children’s Hospital,” NWMPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said. 

“The clinic and the hospital are in constant contact with each other, so parents can rest assured that their young ones will receive the best possible treatment.” 

To access Cohealth’s paediatric GP respiratory clinic, phone 0486 008 315 to book an appointment, or book online via Hotdocs: hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/north-melbourne-VIC-3051/children-gprc-north-melbourne/doctors  

Walk-ins are also available if capacity allows. •