News

With emergency departments being pushed to their limits and bulk-billed GP appointments proving more difficult to obtain, Marathon Health After Hours GP Clinics at Bathurst and Dubbo are delivering much-needed support for communities at a time when they need it most.

The clinics provide bulk-billed GP services outside of regular business hours, for times when it’s urgent but not an emergency or as an alternative to the emergency department (ED) when other GP services may not be available.

Only 77 of 2,328 patients seen at the Clinics since last July needed to be transferred to the ED, meaning around 2,250 people have avoided the busy emergency rooms at both hospitals.

Jo Holden, Service Transformation and General Manager Bathurst Health Service, said the clinic continued to support the local community by ensuring people could access the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

“As we head into the busy winter season, this service is more important than ever – supporting our broader winter strategy by helping to ease pressure on the ED and ensuring our health service can respond where it’s needed most," Jo said.

“Our strong partnership with Marathon Health makes this possible and together we're delivering better outcomes for our community."

Local GP practices work collaboratively to roster GPs and help ensure the clinics stay open.
The fact the clinics have supported more than 2,300 patients across the two cities in a year is largely due to the commitment from GPs and the ongoing support of the Western NSW Primary Health Network.

After their visit, patients are asked to complete a patient experience survey.

Data since July 2024 shows that 70% of respondents would have gone to the ED if the clinic wasn’t available – further highlighting the importance of the clinics in meeting community need and easing the burden on already busy hospitals.

The Bathurst and Dubbo After Hours GP Clinics are open on weekends and most public holidays and are walk-in clinics. No appointment is necessary.