Like parents across our community, I know how critical it is to have local medical care for those unexpected moments when you or your family need it.
That’s why I’m so pleased to have joined Ged Kearney today to announce that an elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Heidelberg.
Local families are already struggling to access emergency care and are under pressure from rising out of pocket costs to see a GP. Under the Liberals, out of pocket costs to see a GP in Jagajaga have gone up by 43%, putting a strain on household budgets.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Australia will take the pressure off hospital emergency departments by providing an alternative option for families needing urgent care from a doctor or nurse. They will treat sprains and broken bones, cuts, wounds, insect bites, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns.
Care will be bulk billed, meaning families won’t be out of pocket for having a loved one attended to, just like they’d gone to a public hospital.
The clinics be open seven days a week from at least 8am to 10pm – the time when the majority of non-life-threatening injuries occur.
The Clinic in Heidelberg will help to take pressure off the Austin Hospital’s emergency department so that their hard-working staff can focus on providing care for serious and life-threatening issues.
Only Labor will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for our community, as part of our national commitment to invest $135 million across four years to establish a trial of 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
