Fiona Phillips is calling on the government to expand the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Photo: Supplied.
Eurobodalla Shire residents have been invited to sign a petition calling for the expansion of a healthcare clinic.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips recently launched the petition on her website, calling on the state and federal governments to extend the operating hours at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
“The Batemans Bay community has embraced the fully bulk-billed service at the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, but there is a definite need for an expansion of the service,” she said.
“Around 7500 patients have received treatment for urgent, not life-threatening care at the clinic since it opened almost one year ago, which has taken some pressure off local GPs and our local hospital.
“I have been lobbying for extended hours and a higher level of care, but I’ve decided to take the next step by launching a petition to give the public a chance to have their say as well.”
The petition also calls for the government to implement an increased level of care at the clinic.
The clinic at Batemans Bay opened in 2023 and offers treatment for non-life-threatening conditions and injuries.
Currently, it operates from 8 am to 6 pm, seven days a week.
“It would be great to see those hours extended closer to 24/7,” she said.
Ms Phillips said a potential expansion would reduce pressure on the region’s healthcare network.
“Once the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital opens at Moruya, the only practical way to have a higher level service in Batemans Bay is to support an expansion of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.”
Ms Phillips said she was pleased to see that plans for a potential radiation therapy service for the Eurobodalla were progressing, and an expression of interest was released.
“I have championed these services, so it’s great to see that moving forward, too,” she said.
“I’m proud to have secured the Batemans Bay Urgent Care Clinic, the South Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic and the walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centre at Moruya, and I will continue to fight for improved local health services right across the Gilmore electorate.”
Ms Phillips’ petition is available on her website.
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