Anthony Albanese. Source : Australian Federal Government via Wikimedia Commons (Used under creative commons)
The federal government has announced an Expression of Interest (EOI) period with the intention of establishing various Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
The Clinics (Medicare UCCs) would be implemented within Western Australia and ease the load on hospitals.
It would also give Western Australians more options for obtaining healthcare quickly.
The Medicare UCCs would also be bulk billed, and open seven days a week.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the clinics would help Western Australians obtain the best quality care without needing an emergency department stay.
“Our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics mean more families in Western Australia will get top-quality care from a nurse or a doctor without having to wait in a hospital emergency department.” Mr Albanese said.
“The UCCs will take pressure off hospitals like the Fiona Stanley, Rockington, and Joondalup Health.
“These clinics are a key part of the Government’s plan to strengthen Medicare by making it easier to see a doctor.” He said.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said the Medicare UCCs is an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals in Western Australia.
“We know that doctors around the country, including in WA, are excited to take up the opportunity of Urgent Care Clinics.” Mr Butler said.
“This EOI means West Australian primary care providers, community health centres, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services will be able to put their interest forward.
“The UCCs will be bulk billed and open seven days a week, meaning families don’t end up in the emergency department for non-life-threatening care.” He said.
Patients with non-life-threatening emergencies currently make up 47 per cent of those who show up to WA emergency departments.
The Medicare UCCs would help ease this load by giving patients an alternate place to go for medical care.
There are plans to develop UCCs in Perth City, Joondalup, Rockingham, Murdoch, Midland, Bunbury, and Broome.
The UCCs will be established in phases, beginning with Perth City.
The WA Primary Health Alliance will open the Expression of Interest on February 10, and will end on March 24.
The EOI is available to existing general practices, community health centres, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
