The Albanese Government, in partnership with the Malinauskas Government, has announced the providers for four Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) in South Australia. The clinics and providers are as follows:
- Marion Domain Medical and Dental Centre will become the Marion Medicare UCC.
- Old Port Road Medical and Dental Centre will become the Western Medicare UCC.
- Elizabeth Medical and Dental Centre will become the Elizabeth Medicare UCC.
- Mount Gambier Family Health will become the Mount Gambier Medicare UCC.
- A fifth Medicare UCC in the outer southern suburbs is in final contract negotiations.
These Medicare UCCs aim to make it easier for South Australians to access urgent treatment from qualified doctors and nurses while alleviating pressure on local hospitals. They will operate extended hours, seven days a week, and offer fully bulk-billed walk-in care. Over 40% of hospital presentations in South Australia are for non-urgent or semi-urgent care. The clinics are expected to begin opening from October 2023, with all five open by year-end
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these clinics fulfill the government’s commitment to strengthen Medicare and improve healthcare accessibility and affordability. Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasized the importance of these clinics in reducing pressure on hospitals and enhancing access to affordable urgent care.
The clinics are part of a broader initiative to establish 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Australia, providing free urgent care for non-life-threatening concerns.
