People across Sydney's west and north west will be able to access healthcare more quickly and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department (ED), thanks to an expansion of local urgent care services.
Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced Castle Hill and Auburn urgent care services are now operating on weekends, boosting availability for local communities to seven days a week.
To access urgent care services, patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient's condition and guide them to the care they need, which may include booking an appointment at an urgent care service on the patient's behalf.
NSW Health is partnering with primary health networks to deliver additional urgent care services right across the state to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW continue to receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 urgent care services in NSW by mid-2025. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.
The Minns Labor Government has a plan to relieve pressure on EDs and reduce wait times, through our budget emergency department relief package which will invest:
- $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 people avoid a trip to the ED;
- $100 million to back in our urgent care services to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
- $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
- $15.1 million to for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
- $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed; and
- $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The NSW Government is delivering expanded urgent care services where our community needs them most and they come at an important time as our emergency departments deal with an extremely busy and challenging winter period.
"These urgent care services mean people can receive care quickly for conditions which can be safely and appropriately treated outside our busy EDs, including minor wounds that need stitches, suspected broken bones and skin infections that need antibiotics.
"If you need care for urgent but non-life threatening conditions or are unsure where to go for medical help, please take advantage of the free and quick advice from a Healthdirect nurse on 1800 022 222. They can connect you with the care and support you need."
Quotes attributable to Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:
"Healthcare provided at these services will be bulk billed and they will be open every day, from 8am to 8pm, and will be staffed by General Practitioners and nurses, with important diagnostic services nearby including radiology and pathology.
Quotes attributable to Labor spokesperson for Castle Hill Peter Primrose MLC:
"I am so pleased we are offering more pathways to care outside of hospital for the community."
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant:
"NSW is currently dealing with the impact of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, which is having a significant impact on the community and the health services that care for them. While our health system is well placed to respond to seasonal increases in demand, this is a very challenging period for our health system and we are also calling on the community to do their part.
"There are a few simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses, including booking in for your flu vaccine and staying home if you are sick. If you are unwell and need to leave home, please wear a mask and avoid high-risk settings including aged care and hospitals.
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"If you are experiencing a medical emergency, NSW Ambulance is able to provide treatment if you call Triple Zero (000).
"If your situation is life-threatening, please call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Examples of life-threatening conditions include chest pressure or pain lasting more than 10 minutes, difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, or sudden collapse."
