NSW has a network of Tuberculosis prevention and control services / chest clinics located across the state. The network aims to provide a comprehensive, culturally appropriate and accessible service to all. Our goals are to cure TB, reduce TB illness and prevent the spread of TB within the community.
The following are some of the free and confidential services provided by the TB network:
Assessment, screening, follow-up, monitoring and education of people on TB Health Undertakings (TBU). TBUs are issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on persons entering Australia with chest x-ray assessments that need follow-up.
Assessment and screening of refugee children in conjunction with other health services.
BCG vaccination as recommended for select groups at risk of exposure to TB.
Provide counselling and education for patients, the community and health care professionals on disease prevention, treatment, management and contact screening.
An appointment will be required for most services. To contact your nearest clinic see NSW TB services directory.
If you are unable to keep an appointment, please inform the clinic so the time can be given to someone who needs an urgent appointment. Another suitable date and time can be arranged for you.
Every effort will be made to see you at your appointment time but there may be occasions when this is not possible due to reasons beyond our control: e.g. in an emergency, the doctor may be called away from the clinic.
Some patients on treatment for TB meet the criteria for home visits. The nurse will give you a time when to expect her/him. However, there may be times when this is not possible due to other unforseen commitments.
Please inform the nurse in advance if you will not be home at the arranged time.
The security of our staff is important to us so we ask for your co-operation in helping to make sure they can visit your home safely. We ask that you restrain all animals when the nurse is due to visit. On the first home visit, our staff will check to see if there are any problems such as uneven paths that may cause them to fall. We will withdraw home visits if we consider our staff cannot visit safely and make alternative arrangements for your continued treatment.
A Medicare card is not needed for any TB service. A referral is not always necessary.
For individual clinic contact details see NSW TB services directory.