Advance notice for general practices: requests for tender opening soon

Following the Australian Government announcement on 1 March 2025 of 50 new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics sites including Lilydale and Diamond Creek and surrounds, Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) is delighted to announce preparations
for the commissioning of these services.

EMPHN will commission these clinics with funding from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and we anticipate releasing the request for tender (RFT) between 13-15 August. 

Background 

Medicare UCCs provide an alternative care pathway for people who require urgent, but not emergency treatment. Led by General Practitioners (GPs) and supported by nursing and administrative staff, these clinics aim to alleviate the pressure on hospital emergency departments by offering timely care for non-life-threatening conditions such as mild infections, burns, suspected fractures or broken bones. Each Medicare UCC will adhere to nationally consistent minimum standards while allowing for service adaptations tailored to local community needs and health system contexts.  

Medicare UCCs are expected to be open 14 hours a day, every day (including public holidays). Care is available at no cost to the patient, with or without a Medicare card. 

Visit health.gov.au and refer to the Medicare UCC Operational Guidance for more information. 

Eligibility and locations 

Eligible providers – whether an independent general practice or a community health organisation partnered with an accredited general practice – must be accredited to a recognised and relevant standard and be operating in the targeted locations: 

• Lilydale 
• Diamond Creek or surround suburbs (within Nillumbik – Kinglake SA3): including Eltham, Hurstbridge and Research. 

Market briefing – coming soon 

EMPHN will be delighted to hold a market briefing session in mid-August, following the RFT release. The date and link to the market briefing will be available via the EMPHN website and on e-procure tender documentation.  A recording of the briefing will also be available to view via e-procure if you are unable to attend the market briefing.  

Tender documentation and process 

EMPHN will use eProcure as its portal for this RFT opportunity. To apply, interested providers must be registered for eProcure. Once registered, you will receive email notifications when you register your interest in a tender published on eProcure. 

A notification will also be published in this e-newsletter and available on our website when the RFT is released. If you’re not yet signed up to the EMPHN newsletters, please sign up here. 

Communication and enquiries 

Interested providers will be able to ask questions in writing via eProcure once the RFT opens. Questions will also be accepted during the market briefing session. 

In the coming weeks, we will keep you informed of key dates and we are excited to expand these important services within our region.