Urgent Care Clinics

The Australian Government is investing over $135 million over three years to fund 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) nationally to deliver a new model of care to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.

Seven Medicare UCCs will be established in Western Australia in the following locations:

  • Perth City and surrounding suburbs
  • Joondalup and surrounding suburbs
  • Rockingham and surrounding suburbs
  • Midland
  • Murdoch
  • Bunbury
  • Broome

The Medicare UCCs will be established through a phased approach beginning with Morley, Clarkson and Rockingham, and their respective surrounding suburbs.

The new clinics will be located in existing facilities, such as general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

They will offer treatment for urgent but not life threating illnesses and injuries requiring same day assessment for people who may otherwise have visited an emergency department.

They will be bulk billed, be open seven days a week and accept walk in patients.

WA Primary Health Alliance will run an initial Registration of Interest process (ROI) from Friday 10 February until 12.00pm, Thursday 23 February 2023.

More details of the ROI process will be made available to eligible practices.

Prime Minister’s media statement

FAQs

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When will the expression of interest open?

The expression of interest (EOI) process will open on 10 February and is anticipated to close 24 March.

How will the clinics be funded?

The Australian Government is investing over $135 million over three financial years to fund at least 50 Medicare UCCs across all states and territories, to deliver a new model of care to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments (EDs).

How many Urgent Care Clinics will WA have and when will they open?

In an agreement between the Australian and Western Australian Governments, seven UCCs will be located in Western Australia in Perth City and surrounding suburbs, Joondalup and surrounding suburbs, Rockingham and surrounding suburbs, Midland, Murdoch, Bunbury and Broome. 

There will be a phased rollout, starting with the first three clinics to be located in:

  • Perth City and surrounding suburbs
  • Joondalup and surrounding suburbs
  • Rockingham and surrounding suburbs
Are Medicare UCCs associated with other urgent care centres in WA?

No. Medicare UCCs are a new initiative of the current Australian Government. They are unrelated to the WA GP Urgent Care Network, the St John Ambulance Urgent Care Centres or any other existing WA urgent care model.

What is the model of care?

They will offer treatment for urgent but not life threatening illnesses and injuries requiring same day assessment for people who would otherwise have visited an emergency department.

What will the opening hours be?

The UCCs will have extended opening hours, including weekends.

Will they accept walk in appointments?

Yes, walk in appointments will be accepted.

Will there be a cost to patients?

No, appointments will be bulk billed.

Where will the clinics be located?

The first three clinics will be located within the following federal electorates:

  • Perth City and surrounding suburbs
  • Joondalup and surrounding suburbs
  • Rockingham and surrounding suburbs
Disclaimer

While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.