The doors to the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Bathurst – a completely free service – have opened recently, just in time for Christmas.

The Bathurst Medicare UCC provides timely, fully bulk-billed urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention but do not require a visit to the hospital emergency department.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has commissioned the service to help meet growing demand for urgent care and to improve the local community’s access to the care it needs.

All patients attending the Bathurst Medicare UCC will be bulk billed under Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs for any services, including simple diagnostics and radiology.

Key service features include:

• Walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses such as fractures, infections and simple lacerations.
• Extended operating hours across evenings, weekends and public holidays to improve after-hours access.
• Clinical assessment and diagnostics, including basic pathology and imaging where available.
• Care coordination and referral to ensure patients are connected back to their usual GP or relevant specialist.
• Data collection and reporting to support WNSW PHN and government monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement.

WNSW PHN CEO Brad Porter said the Bathurst Medicare UCC does not require appointments and gives the community access to urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention.

“The Bathurst UCC will operate with extended opening hours — including evenings and weekends — to complement existing general practice and hospital services.

“The service supports continuity of care by integrating with local general practices, hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and other health providers.

“Importantly, the service will reduce avoidable emergency department presentations and improve the overall patient experience,” Mr Porter said.

The new clinic aligns with the Commonwealth Government’s national Urgent Care Clinic strategy and responds to service gaps in the Bathurst region, including high numbers of non-urgent presentations to the local hospital emergency department and limited after-hours healthcare options.

Members of the community can visit Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Bathurst at 129 Howick Street, or call the clinic on 02 5326 3700.

The Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing with the Bathurst Medicare UCC commissioned through the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN).