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After providing COVID-19 testing services across the Health Service, often seven days a week for over two years, Darling Downs Health COVID-19 testing sites will close at 4pm on 2 September 2022.
Operating since 16 March 2020, the COVID-19 testing site at Baillie Henderson Hospital conducted over 170,699 tests. Together, regional testing locations across Darling Downs Health facilities processed over 247,321 during the same period.
Darling Downs Health Acting Chief Executive Shirley-Anne Gardiner praised the efforts of staff to keep the community safe and informed throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To look back now and see the speed at which we developed this testing capability is really a testament to the hard work and selflessness of our staff,” Ms Gardiner said
“We were dealing with a new virus and amidst the uncertainties of the last two years, these testing sites were able to provide accurate and timely information to our Public Health teams and residents about COVID-19 within the community.”
Acting Executive Lead, Health Emergency Operation Centre Michelle Forrest said the testing sites had been a success in detecting and supressing COVID-19 in the community for so long, but the response to the virus was now changing.
“That large scale testing was incredibly effective, but it has served its time. During 2020 and up until December 2021, suppression of COVID-19 was key to ensuring the safety of people in the community, and testing sites like ours really enabled that,” Ms Forrest said
“The response to the virus will continue to change, especially as people choose to use rapid antigen tests themselves and private pathology capability increases. The decision to close the service is another step in our transition to new ways of living with the virus.
While the testing sites will close from 2 September, Chris Pearse, the COVID-19 Testing Coordinator said there was still time for the community to visit a site and receive a test.
“The community will continue to be greeted by our friendly staff until 2 September and receive the test most suitable to them, in line with Government guidelines,” Mr Pearse said
“It really has been an incredible achievement and the staff that have worked at all of our testing sites should be proud of their efforts in protecting the community”
Mr Chris Pearse, COVID-19 Testing Coordinator
From 3 September, members of the community who need access to a COVID-19 test should conduct a rapid antigen test (RAT), visit a Commonwealth Respiratory Clinic or contact their GP to arrange a referral to a private pathology provider.
Eligible concession card holders can access free RAT kits at Queensland Health distribution points.