The Orange community is able to access non-emergency healthcare in a more timely way, and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, thanks to a new Urgent Care Service opening this week.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the Orange Urgent Care Service will mean the local community can receive care quickly for conditions which can be safely and appropriately treated outside the region’s busy EDs.
“The Orange Urgent Care Service will be open 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm, and will be staffed by General Practitioners and nurses with important diagnostic services on-site including radiology and pathology,” Mr Park said.
“The service is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening, such as minor wounds that need stiches, suspected broken bones and skin infections that need antibiotics.
“I’m committed to increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the urgent care they need.”
Member for Orange Phil Donato welcomed the urgent care service which gives the Orange community a genuine alternative outside of a busy ED for urgent – but not life-threatening – illnesses and injuries.
“This is an incredibly important service for people living in Orange and the surrounding towns, which will improve access to care, whilst also easing pressure on the region’s busy emergency departments,” Mr Donato said.
To access the service, patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and then discuss with the patient the best place for their care needs. This may include an appointment at the Orange Urgent Care Service, a telehealth appointment with the virtualKIDS or virtualGP services or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.
Healthcare provided at Orange Urgent Care Service is bulk billed.
The Orange Urgent Care Service is being delivered in partnership with the Western NSW Primary Health Network.
“We welcome this important service to Orange, which will ensure people in the region have better access to fast medical attention for their urgent care needs and relieve some of the pressure on our Emergency Departments,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive Officer, Western NSW Primary Health Network.
NSW Health has partnered with primary health networks to deliver additional Urgent Care Services right across the state, in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW continue to receive care at the right time and place.
The NSW Government committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.
