With the identification of additional cases in the Newcastle area, Hunter New England Health is expecting an increase in the demand for testing.
“To ensure we can best serve the community during this time, we have enhanced our local testing capability," Dr Kat Taylor, Public Health Controller for Hunter New England Health’s COVID-19 said.
“In addition to expanding our call centre capacity and the number of phone lines available to improve booking wait times, we will extend hours and capacity at a number of local clinics.
“However, please be patient if visiting a clinic or calling for a booking. We have thousands of testing opportunities throughout the course of today and will see people as quickly as possible."
Hunter
New England Health operates COVID-19 clinics at a number of hospitals in the
Hunter region.
Walk in clinics include:
- The John Hunter Hospital clinic, open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. The clinic is walk in only and no appointment is required.
- The Calvary Mater Newcastle clinic, open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The clinic is walk in only and no appointment is required.
- The Maitland Hospital clinic, open 9am to 4pm, seven days a week. Appointment bookings are preferred, but not required, and can be made by calling 4939 2585 during operating hours.
There are also a number of drive through options available,
including:
- The Belmont Hospital drive through clinic, open 8am – 4pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the clinic on 4923 2211 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
- The Cessnock Hospital drive through clinic, open 8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Those wishing to be tested must contact the clinic on 4991 0436 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
- The Tomaree drive through clinic (20 Aquatic Close, Nelson Bay), open 9am to 3pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
- The University drive through clinic also continues to operate 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. Those wishing to be tested must contact the drive-through clinic on 4964 7497 during operating hours to arrange an appointment prior to attending.
Local private options include:
- 4Cyte Pathology’s COVID-19 clinic at Central Church Warners Bay (290 Hillsborough Rd), which operates between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 11am Saturdays, and no booking is required. More information can be found on their website at www.medtechservices.net.au.
- Laverty’s Adamstown Drive Through COVID-19 clinic (91 Victoria Street). The clinic operates between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday and 9am and 4pm Saturdays, and no booking is required.
- Laverty’s Tomaree Hospital Clinic is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. No booking is required, but a referral from your GP is preferred prior to attending this clinic.
