COVID Care Centre (CCC)

The CALHN COVID Care Centre (CCC) provides face-to-face care for COVID positive patients in the community who are not expected to require overnight admission.

The CCC provides:

• assessment and care for patients incidentally found to be COVID positive who require attention for other conditions such as minor injury, issues unrelated to their COVID infection or assistance with care co-ordination
• and adult patients incidentally COVID positive with other unrelated clinical concerns, such as other illness, minor injury, or care coordination needs.

Patients are able to rapidly access a multidisciplinary team,  in addition to pathology, radiology, ECGs, and other CALHN services at this location. There is also access to advice from inpatient teams via Telehealth if required.

The service can administers COVID antiviral treatments which reduce the risk of more severe COVID illness and the likelihood of the patient needing hospitalisation for their condition. 

Accessing the service

All patients must be referred by a phone discussion with the triage clinician to ensure the service is able to meet their needs and safely care for them.  As we are not able to accept walk-ins, we ask that you call before you ask your patient to attend the service.

GPs can contact Health.CALHNCCC@sa.gov.au to get the number to contact the CAHLN CCC duty clinician, or it can be found in the Hospital Avoidance and Discharge Support Services section of Health Pathways SA (look under pages localised for SA).

The CCC accepts phone referrals from:

• GPAT
• CRCT
• SAAS
• SA VCS
• ED
• Community GPs
• Aboriginal Health Practitioners
• Clinical Nurses and Practice Nurses
• other community and hospital Specialists and Specialty Teams.

To access MAB treatment please complete the Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Application for COVID-19 Positive Patients | SA Health. A clinical criteria must be met for MAB Infusion.

Please note transport can be arranged if required.

Referrals

Patients are suitable for referral if:

• they have a confirmed COVID-19 positive PCR within 10 days of symptom onset (up to 14 days if remains symptomatic beyond 10 days)
• they have a confirmed COVID-19 positive RAT and clinical features and history are consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of symptom onset. Note: if patient positive for RAT only, patient to wear goggles and mask.

Please note patients who are beyond day 14 and asymptomatic should seek care from their own GP.

Patients are not suitable for referral if:

• they are not confirmed COVID-19 positive
• their oxygen saturation < 95% on room air on talking or exertion
• they are paediatric patients < 16 years
• they have Pregnancy related conditions > 16 weeks gestation
• they need resuscitation and/or emergency treatment
• they have persistently abnormal vital signs PR >100, BP<100, RR>22- If not meeting parameters acceptance only via discussion with CCC medial officer.
• • chest pain excluded ONLY with pre-hospital clinician concern for ischemia, embolism, other significant clinical features or medical history
  • gastrointestinal bleed (melena and hematemesis)
  • any alteration in CNS function (e.g. abnormal alteration in GCS, first time seizure) OR new onset severe headache. Headache without other presenting features may be accepted – All Headache referrals to be discussed with CCC Medical Officer
  • complex fractures or dislocations
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA), including pedestrians with injuries arising from a MVA
  • highly complex mental health comorbidities (mild anxiety/depressive symptoms related to COVID/isolation acceptable for CCC)
  • patients affected by drugs and/or alcohol
  • patients with known behaviours of concern they have other concerning/complicated presentations, including:

Location

The COVID Care Centre is located at the Hospital Avoidance Service. Directions are given to patients once they have a referral.

This area is a RED ZONE. A referral is required to access this service.

Free parking is available onsite.

Opening hours

7 days, 8.30am-8.30pm.