Urgent Care Clinics

The Australian Government has invested in 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) nationally to deliver a new model of care to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments, with an additional 29 clinics announced in the  Federal Budget 2024-25.

Seven Medicare UCCs have been established in Western Australia in the following locations:

An eighth Medicare UCC for Western Australia has been confirmed in Armadale, providing the community with urgent care in a general practice setting.

WA Primary Health Alliance coordinated the EOI processes and supported selected practices to establish their clinics.

The clinics are located in existing facilities, such as general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

They offer treatment for urgent but not life threatening illnesses and injuries requiring same day assessment for people who may otherwise have visited an emergency department.

They are be bulk billed, be open seven days a week and accept walk in patients.

Find out more

FAQs

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When will the expression of interest open?

Several expression of interest processes will be run. We will notify general practices as and when they open.

How will the clinics be funded?

The Australian Government is investing in 58 Medicare UCCs across all states and territories, to deliver a new model of care to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments (EDs).

How many Urgent Care Clinics will WA have and when will they open?

In an agreement between the Australian and Western Australian Governments, seven UCCs will be located in Western Australia in Perth City and surrounding suburbs, Joondalup and surrounding suburbs, Rockingham and surrounding suburbs, Midland, Murdoch, Bunbury and Broome. 

The staged roll-out is intended to enable effective development and implementation of the WA Medicare UCC model.

Are Medicare UCCs associated with other urgent care centres in WA?

No. Medicare UCCs are a new initiative of the current Australian Government. They are unrelated to the WA GP Urgent Care Network, the St John Ambulance Urgent Care Centres or any other existing WA urgent care model.

What is the model of care?

They will offer treatment for urgent but not life threatening illnesses and injuries requiring same day assessment for people who would otherwise have visited an emergency department.

What will the opening hours be?

The UCCs will have extended opening hours, including weekends.

Will they accept walk in appointments?

Yes, walk in appointments will be accepted.

Will there be a cost to patients?

No, urgent care appointments will be bulk billed.

Where will the clinics be located?

The first three clinics will be located within the following federal electorates:

  • Perth City and surrounding suburbs
  • Joondalup and surrounding suburbs
  • Rockingham and surrounding suburbs

Four more clinics are expected to open by the end of 2023 in Murdoch, Midland, Bunbury and Broome.

Disclaimer

While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.