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The Ross opens in Alice Springs

Department of Health

The Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) has established The Ross facility to assist with the isolation of suspected and confirmed cases of COVIOD-19 in Central Australia.

“The Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit has entered into an Agreement with CAHS for annexure of existing infrastructure currently not being used,” said Sue Korner, CAHS Chief Operating Officer.

“The CAAAPU board has approved the arrangement, but this is not a CAAAPU facility.

“The facility is located on the Ross Highway and fenced off from the CAAAPU operation. The facility is coordinated by CAHS Acute Care Services and is staffed by CAHS nurses with a collaborative agreement with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress for GP support.”

The Ross will operate in two phases. Phase one will provide secure accommodation for suspected cases of COVID-19, who have qualified for testing but do not have the ability to self-isolate at home or the means to pay for commercial accommodation while they await their results. They will need to stay in isolation until test results have been returned.

Phase two will provide isolation and medical care to those who test positive to COVID-19, and do not have severe symptoms that require hospitalisation. They will need to return negative results before being discharged from the facility in accordance with National Guidelines.

The site has a 24/7 security presence to ensure patients remain on site.

“It is important to note that because The Ross facility is a secure site, no entry is permitted for the general public,” Ms Korner said.

“All people referred to the site will be transported securely and admitted on site following strict precautionary methods.”

Media contact: Gail Turner - 0407 839 383

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