Seven bulk-billed urgent care clinics are set to open in Western Australia, including one in Rockingham, in a bid to ease pressure on hospitals.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flew into Perth on Wednesday to make the announcement.
The Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) will be able to treat non life-threatening emergencies, which represent about 47 per cent of emergency department admissions.
The first three clinics will open in Perth City, Joondalup and Rockingham in July.
This will be followed by clinics in Murdoch, Midland, Bunbury and Broome.
An Expression Of Interest (EOI) process will be run by the WA Primary Health Alliance, opening on February 10, with the submission period set to end on March 24.
The EOI will be available to existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
“Our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics mean more families in Western Australia will get top-quality care from a nurse or a doctor without having to wait in a hospital emergency department," Prime Minister Albanese said.
“The UCCs will take pressure off hospitals like the Fiona Stanley, Rockingham and Joondalup Health.
“These clinics are a key part of the Government’s plan to strengthen Medicare by making it easier to see a doctor.”
Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash said the Prime Minister's announcement is nothing more than a broken promise.
“The Albanese Government promised these clinics would be up and running within their first year in office, but it is now clear that will not be the case,’’ Senator Cash said.
“It’s difficult to see how any of these clinics will be able to be delivered this year, certainly not all of them."
Senator Cash said Western Australia is in the midst of a health workforce crisis, where hospitals, aged care and community health facilities are all competing for access to GPs, nursing and care workforce.
“Mr Albanese should urgently explain how he expects to staff the urgent care clinics,” Senator Cash said.
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