If you live in Perth, Bunbury or Busselton, or are holidaying there this summer you can access GP Urgent Care for treatment of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, without the need to visit an emergency department.
Making an appointment is easy at one of the more than a hundred participating general practices to get treatment for minor cuts; eye, ear, nose and throat conditions; rashes; stings; upset stomachs; infections; sprains and fractures; among other illnesses and injuries.
Participating practices also have access to fast tracked diagnostic testing such as pathology and radiology.
The GP Urgent Care Network Pilot is a joint initiative of the Department of Health WA and WA Primary Health Alliance. It aims reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments by using unfilled appointments in participating general practices.
WA Primary Health Alliance General Manager Primary Care Innovation & Development, Bernadette Kenny said the 18-month Pilot offered people choice, convenience and timely access to quality care.
“Most people would prefer to avoid waiting in an emergency department and appreciate the convenience of making an appointment at a time and place that suits them.
“Importantly, there are systems in place to allow for continuity of care as, with the patient’s permission, the GP Urgent Care clinic will provide a handover to their usual GP.
“In the longer term, efficiencies and cost savings will flow through the health system as more people receive treatment for urgent conditions in primary care rather than in emergency departments.”
The intention is to develop and re-engineer processes within participating general practices, learning from what works and what doesn’t, with a view to developing a sustainable GP-led urgent care model into the future.
Patients can find their nearest participating practice by going to www.gpurgentcare.com.au or calling Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
The public is reminded that in a medical emergency, they should always call 000 or go to their nearest emergency department.