The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will fill a major gap in primary health care in the electorate, according to Hunter MP Dan Repacholi.
Cessnock was confirmed, in the 2022-23 Federal Budget, as one of the 50 locations throughout Australia to host a facility.
“The news is very welcome – and long overdue,” Mr Repacholi said.
“Getting access to health care is at the top of the list of concerns when I talk to locals in the Hunter.
“This clinic will help with minor emergencies, like when your kid falls off their skateboard and breaks their arm or you have a very deep cut that needs stitching.”
Mr Repacholi said the Urgent Care Clinic would also make it easier for residents to receive high-quality care for urgent, but non-life-threatening, health issues.
“They’ll be open extended business hours, seven days week, to provide the care you and your family need, with no out-of-pocket costs to patients.
“It will certainly take pressure off of our local Emergency Department (ED), leaving overworked doctors and nurses available to attend to more serious and life-threatening cases.”
The Australian Government is providing $235 million for the 50 clinics, including $100 million to co-develop and pilot innovative models with states and territories to improve care pathways and inform program roll out.
Consultation with the health sector, Primary Health Networks and governments has started to ensure the clinics are developed to respond to the local needs of the community and integrated with existing Emergency Department diversion initiatives.
“After almost a decade of the former government’s cuts and neglect, it has never been harder to see a doctor at short notice,” Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said.
“Dan has passionately advocated for the Hunter electorate to be included in the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic roll out.
“This will make it easier for locals to see a doctor and let our hospitals focus on more serious cases.”
The clinic will be established as part of an existing GP clinic or community health centre in the Hunter electorate and is expected to be operational from 2023-24.
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