A new level of urgent medical care is available which fills the gap between waiting for an appointment with your GP and visiting a busy hospital emergency department. When your needs are not life threatening consider using an ‘Urgent Care Service’ or ‘Medicare Urgent Care Clinic’.
Two urgent care options are available within South Western Sydney. They provide a similar service. Both services are bulk billed. The primary differences are how they are funded and administered. Urgent Care Clinics are funded and administered by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Urgent Care Services are an initiative of NSW Health.
When to seek urgent care
If you are unsure whether your medical condition can wait for your GP, or whether you should visit an urgent care service call healthdirect. A Healthdirect health professional will determine the level of care you need and may also make an appointment at an Urgent Care Service near you if needed.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222
Urgent care definitions
NSW Health defines urgent care as “People should use an Urgent Care Service if they need fast medical attention for a health issue that is not life-threatening, or if they are unable to get an appointment at a local General Practitioner (GP) for a health issue which should not be left untreated.”
NSW Health – Urgent Care Service
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care defines urgent care as “Urgent care is when you need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department, but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a general practitioner (GP).”
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Urgent Care Clinic
Examples of urgent medical care conditions:
- minor infections
- minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- minor cuts
- insect bites and rashes
- minor eye and ear problems
- respiratory illness
- gastroenteritis
- mild burns.
If your condition is urgent and you can’t wait or are not able to see a doctor during opening hours, then consider using a SWSPHN-funded after hours healthcare service.
