Hear from a junior doctor on the front line of COVID-19

Every potential COVID-19 patient who enters Westmead Hospital is directed to a clinic where medical officer Brandon Verdonk works.

The junior doctor had just finished a stint in the hospital’s emergency department when the opportunity arose to manage the initial assessment and testing of patients who may have been exposed to the relatively-unknown new virus.

While the clinic is overseen by specialists from emergency medicine and infectious diseases, Brandon is one of those responsible for its day-to-day operation.

In episode three of our podcast Western Sydney Health Check, Brandon talks us through what it’s like being a front-line worker, how he’s feeling, and what to expect if you ever need a test.

Listen now, and catch up on episode one and episode two for more expert insight into COVID-19.

Testing is currently available for those who have symptoms and meet other criteria, such as overseas travel within 14 days of symptoms or living in a community with confirmed local transmission.

For the latest information and advice, refer to the NSW Health website and download the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Australia app.