A free health care clinic opened in December 2023 and has seen more than 20,000 presentations. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Opening hours for a Batemans Bay health clinic have expanded to take pressure off the nearby hospital.
The Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) is now open from 6 am to midnight, seven days a week.
Medicare UCCs are designed to reduce pressure on emergency departments, meaning people with non-emergency illnesses and injuries don’t head to an emergency department for treatment.
It offers walk-in health care that is fully bulk-billed.
Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips welcomed the news.
“Expanding the operating hours of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic was an election commitment I made and that people wanted – and I’m so thrilled to be delivering it,” she said.
“The timing is excellent, with the busy summer holiday period almost upon us and, of course, the clinic will be used by visitors to the region as well as locals.
“I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that has listened to my South Coast community and is ensuring that locals can get the urgent care they need.”
Since opening in December 2023, the clinic has seen more than 20,000 presentations for an average of 35 patients per day.
Between 2022/23 and 2023/24, the Batemans Bay Hospital saw an 11 per cent decline in semi-urgent and non-urgent presentations.
The Batemans Bay clinic is commissioned by the South Eastern New South Wales Primary Health Network.
“We’ve worked closely with both the Australian Government and provider ForHealth to extend opening hours,” acting CEO of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN Melissa Neal said.
“This reflects the Eurobodalla community’s strong response to the service and helps ease pressure on Batemans Bay Hospital and local general practices.”
The Batemans Bay clinic is one of 22 already operating across NSW, with plans for an expected further 14 to open in progress.
In the state’s southeast, the promised clinics include Nowra, Shellharbour and Bega.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the Medicare UCCs were an accessible way for people to get health care.
“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have helped thousands of people in Batemans Bay who might otherwise face long delays in emergency departments or avoid seeking care altogether.
“Open seven days a week, extended hours, our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are giving the urgent health care they need, when they need it.
“By extending the hours of the Batemans Bay clinic, the community will have even more access to free, walk-in urgent health care.”
The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is located within the Batemans Bay Hospital, at 7 Pacific Street, Batemans Bay. People should bring their Medicare card or number.
For a medical emergency, people should call triple zero.
