People across Forster-Tuncurry will soon have faster access to treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, with the town's first urgent care service to open at the Forster Community Health facility.
Following extensive planning and community feedback, Hunter New England Local Health District will establish the new service, giving people access to local care when they cannot wait for a GP appointment, without having to travel to hospital. The service is expected to open in early 2027.
A multidisciplinary team including medical, nursing, administrative and allied health staff will provide:
- face-to-face medical treatment and consultation
- access 7 days a week from 5pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 10pm, Saturday to Sunday
- referral pathways to external imaging and pathology providers.
More information including an opening date will be shared with the community once recruitment is complete.
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is improving access to medical care by delivering more health services in our regional communities.
"We've listened to the Forster-Tuncurry community and this new service will give people another option to access urgent care closer to home.
"This builds on the work we have already done to make healthcare more accessible, and ensure people can get the care they need, when they need."
Quotes to be attributed to Labor spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal:
"This is an important new service for the Forster-Tuncurry community, who has advocated for better access to public health services over many years.
"I particularly want to acknowledge the advocacy of our local Labor branch members who have advocated tirelessly for over a decade for this service to be delivered."
Quotes to be attributed to Hunter New England Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey McCosker:
"We've heard from the Forster-Tuncurry community that people want better access to care closer to home, and this new service is an important step forward.
"I want to thank the community for their patience and for working with us as we've planned a service that responds to local needs.
"Once open, our local team will provide care at no cost to patients for a range of urgent, non-lifethreatening conditions, seven days a week.
"Importantly, if someone needs a higher level of care, our staff will make sure they get the care they need through our broader health network."
Location:
Forster Community Health facility
14 Breese Parade, Forster NSW 2428
