The Albanese Government last week announced the start of an Expression of Interest (EOI) period to establish seven Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) throughout WA.

The seven Medicare UCCs will ease pressure on West Australian hospitals and give WA families more options to see a healthcare professional when and where they need it. They will be bulk billed and open seven days a week.

Category 4 and 5 presentations to WA hospitals, that is non-life-threatening emergencies represent 47% of presentations to emergency departments. The Medicare UCCs will mean instead of taking up precious ED space, patients will be able to get care in their local community. 

A Medicare UCC will be established in Rockingham as well as Perth, Joondalup, Murdoch, Midland, Bunbury and Broome.

The Albanese Government continues to work closely with the Western Australian Government to deliver the seven Medicare UCCs. The EOI will be run by the WA Primary Health Alliance, opening on 10 February 2023, with the submission period set to end on 24 March 2023. The EOI will be available to existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

Medicare UCCs in Western Australia will be established through a phased approach beginning with Morley, Clarkson and Rockingham.

“Our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics mean more families in Brand will get top-quality care from a nurse or doctor without having to wait in a hospital emergency department.

 “These clinics are a key part of the Government’s plan to strengthen Medicare by making it easier to see a doctor,” said Madeleine King.

“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.”