North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) CEO Julie Sturgess said the clinic is one of up to 100 the government is setting up across Australia. She said it would play a vital role in supporting patients in Wauchope and surrounding areas throughout the pandemic.

The clinic will assess people with respiratory symptoms and, where appropriate, undertake testing to diagnose respiratory cases, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia. Test results should be available within 48 hours.

Patients will be called with their results, which will also be sent to their regular GP if that information has been provided.

"The clinic will provide the opportunity for people to undergo assessment and testing in a safe environment, close to home and will protect our most vulnerable community members," Ms Sturgess said.

"Importantly, it will support local health care services - taking the pressure off hospitals and general practices by providing dedicated treatment to people with mild-to-moderate symptoms of fever or sore throat, cough, fatigue or shortness of breath.

"I encourage anyone in our community experiencing these symptoms to book an appointment."

Wauchope Quality Healthcare is running the Wauchope Respiratory Clinic.

Practice manager Cathy Whitton said people will be asked to wear a surgical mask to their appointment.

Anyone without a mask should telephone the clinic on 0487 071 713 before entering and one will be provided.

Federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the Wauchope clinic will help take the pressure off local hospitals and general practices by providing dedicated treatment to people with mild-to-moderate respiratory symptoms and help to minimise the risk of infection in the community.

"With our success in flattening the curve and the introduction of these clinics and the ability to trace with the COVIDSafe app, we can now start the process of lifting restrictions," Dr Gillespie said.

"This means in NSW from Friday we can start getting out to the shops, undertaking some local trips and travel, visiting playgrounds and public parks, and having friends and family around with a bit more freedom."

People should visit health.gov.au and use the online booking system to make an appointment.

Appointments can also be made by phoning 0487 071 713.

Wauchope Respiratory Clinic is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.

"NCPHN is one of 31 PHNs located throughout Australia that are working with local health districts to advise the Commonwealth Department of Health on the best locations for the clinics right across the country," Ms Sturgess said.

"I am very pleased and proud of the fact NCPHN and local health practitioners have worked collaboratively with the Federal government to deliver this essential service."

The Australian Government is establishing respiratory clinics at six key North Coast locations - Murwillumbah, Ballina, Yamba, Nambucca Heads, Kempsey and Wauchope.

The majority of clinics will operate out of existing medical practices. They will complement NSW Health's existing COVID-19/fever clinics at Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.

NCPHN worked with the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast Local Health Districts to identify locations that provide optimal access to testing services for the maximum number of community members.

The analysis considered population data, travel times and projected health service demand.

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