From 1 July 2023, patients will be able have their urgent care needs met at WA’s first Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Rudloc Road Medical and Dental Centre in Morley.
Negotiations for this clinic, and a further two clinics in the Joondalup and Rockingham areas set to open on the same date, are in the advanced stages, following a competitive expression of interest process.
The clinics will treat urgent but not life threating illnesses and injuries needing same day assessment for people who may otherwise have visited an emergency department.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will offer free consultations seven days a week across extended hours. People will be able to book an appointment, with some walk-in appointments offered. Access to imaging and pathology services will also be available.
WA Primary Health Alliance CEO, Learne Durrington said the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic model will support integration with existing local health services and complement general practice.
“The clinics will also help more people get appropriate care as close to home as possible, as a viable alternative to visiting the emergency department, particularly being open 7 days a week.”
A further four Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are planned for the end of the year to relieve pressure on emergency departments in the Midland, Murdoch, Bunbury and Broome areas.
WA Primary Health Alliance, the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks, is commissioning all seven of the state’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, with a total of 58 clinics planned nationally.
