The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment for a further 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics with a tender process now commenced to identify providers to operate the Capalaba, Carindale and Greenslopes and surrounds clinics.
These new clinics will give Queenslanders more access to high-quality and free walk-in urgent health care.
The new Capalaba, Carindale and Greenslopes Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will be open over extended hours, 7 days a week, with no appointment needed, and all patients will be fully bulk billed.
These clinics are intended to take pressure off local hospitals, including the Redland Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The tender process led by the Brisbane South Primary Health Network will identify providers to operate the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Queensland.
This tender process will be open to general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and will close by 4 September.
Ninety Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have opened across Australia, which have already seen more than 1.7 million presentations since the first sites opened in June 2023, including over 344,500 presentations to the 16 existing Queensland Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
Over 29 per cent of presentations to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Queensland have been outside standard business hours, which means the clinics are filling an important gap in services across extended hours and over the weekend.
And with over 1 in 4 visits treating a young person under 15, Queensland Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are giving families timely health care and peace of mind.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"We know the existing Queensland Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have been a game changer for their communities.
"By offering free, high-quality care every day and into the evenings, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are easing pressure on emergency departments and improving patient access.
"They are a key part of the Albanese Government's efforts to strengthen Medicare and make health care more accessible and affordable."
Quotes attributable to Renee Coffey MP, Member for Griffith:
"I was thrilled when the Albanese Government committed to a second Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Griffith.
"Today's announcement marks the first, important step towards delivering that commitment which will take the pressure off our local hospitals and deliver free, urgent medical care to locals.
"I look forward to visiting our new clinic when it opens."
Quotes attributable to Kara Cook MP, Member for Bonner:
"Our community called for an Urgent Care Clinic and I am proud the Albanese Government will deliver a service in Carindale.
"The clinic will mean families in Bonner can access more bulk billed Medicare services closer to home and when they need it."
