The McGowan Labor Government is easing pressure on busy hospital emergency departments with the launch of a new GP Urgent Care Clinic Network, delivering on an election commitment.
The 18-month pilot program with more than 125 participating practices covering around 70 postcodes including the Perth metropolitan and the South-West regions starts today.
GP Urgent Care is supported with a new major campaign ‘Not all urgencies are emergencies’ to highlight the alternative model of health care for non-emergency situations but urgent medical conditions, in the community and closer to home.
The advertising campaign will run on television, outdoor, radio and digital channels across Perth metropolitan and the South-West region.
Under the pilot the GP Urgent Care Network will offer appointments from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. These hours support figures that show the majority of attendees to hospital emergency departments for non-life threatening medical conditions occur during the day.
Patients will also have access to pathology and radiology services across the Network, including fully equipped treatment rooms to apply sutures, plastering and conduct minor procedures.
Types of illness and injury that can be treated at urgent care clinics include:
- gastrointestinal illnesses
- musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries
- eye, ear, nose and throat conditions
- stings, rashes and wound infections; and
- abrasions and minor lacerations.
The pilot, delivered in partnership with the WA Primary Health Alliance, will be evaluated for future direction of urgent care models within the State.
The establishment of Urgent Care Clinics is a State-wide initiative and there will be a range of models used to deliver in regional areas because we know a one-size-fits-all approach will not work everywhere.
Planning to determine the potential models of urgent care for regional areas is already underway.
To book a GP Urgent Care clinic appointment visit or call HealthDirect on 1800
