Urgent Care Clinics – Accessible care when your patients need it

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Urgent Care Clincs

Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are designed to deliver prompt care for non-critical health concerns, including mild infections, fractures, and burns.

Operating 14 hours a day, seven days a week, UCCs within EMPHN’s catchment area provide accessible and timely care to the local community. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, EMPHN UCC sites cared for 74,922 patients, with children accounting for 41% of those treated.

These critical GP-led clinics, supported by skilled nursing and administrative teams, play a vital role in easing the pressure on hospital emergency departments by providing an alternative for patients requiring urgent, non-life-threatening treatment.

We’ve created a helpful list of frequently asked questions to support your conversations with patients about UCCs.

Urgent Care Clincs FAQs

1. What is the purpose of UCCs?

UCCs were created to address the growing need for timely urgent care while easing the demand on hospital emergency departments. They are specifically designed to:

• Offer an alternative care pathway for non-emergency conditions.

• Reduce strain on emergency services.

• Ensure patients can access care closer to home.

2. Who operates UCCs?

Service providers were selected through a rigorous open tender process. Local general practices had to demonstrate their capability to meet service requirements, including strong connections with local health services. Some providers operate UCCs within their existing clinics, while others have established dedicated satellite sites with sufficient facilities to ensure smooth patient flow and appropriate infection prevention measures.

3. How can patients access UCC services?

Patients can access UCCs by:

• Walking in.
• Booking online. Note: Online booking availability may vary, as not all clinics offer this service at all times. Contact clinics directly if online booking is unavailable.
• Making an appointment over the phone.
• Receiving a referral from a GP, Ambulance Victoria, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, a local emergency department, Nurse-on-Call, or the Maternal and Child Health Line.

4. What are the operating hours?

UCCs are open every day, offering extended hours to meet community needs. Specific operating times for each clinic can be found here.

5. Is there a cost to patients?

No. Care at UCCs is free for all patients, regardless of whether they have a Medicare card. However, patients may incur costs for additional services such as imaging or pathology if required.

6. What happens after a UCC visit?

After receiving treatment at a UCC, patients are referred back to their regular GP for follow-up care. A summary of their treatment is also provided to ensure continuity of care with their usual healthcare provider.

Urgent Care Clinics in the EMPHN catchment

Urgent Care Clinics are here to provide immediate support for minor injuries and illnesses, ensuring hospital emergency departments can focus on critical cases. With their community-centred approach, UCCs are a vital resource for improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency across the region.

More information

• Urgent Care Clinics – Better Health Channel
• Where to go for urgent care – EMPHN
• Urgent Care Services Victoria – Better Health Channel