More Tasmanians will be able to access free urgent medical care closer to home with the Bridgewater Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) officially opening.
The Bridgewater Medicare UCC, at Jordan River Health, 9-11 Hurst Street, Bridgewater, offers walk-in care, seven days a week, and is open extended hours.
The Bridgewater Medicare UCC is equipped to treat a range of urgent, but not life threatening, conditions and injuries. This could include a cut, viral infection, rash or sprained ankle.
Importantly, this clinic is completely bulk billed, meaning more people can access high-quality care quickly, at no cost - all they'll need is their Medicare card.
The Bridgewater Medicare UCC delivers on the Albanese Government's commitment to make it easier for people in Tasmania to get the urgent treatment they need - from highly qualified doctors and nurses.
It will take pressure off the Royal Hobart Hospital, where 36 per cent of presentations were for semi-urgent or non-urgent matters in 2022-23.
The Bridgewater Medicare UCC joins four existing clinics in Tasmania, including Devonport, Launceston, Hobart (Liverpool Street) and Hobart (Bathurst Street).
These clinics have seen over 56,600 presentations to date. More than a quarter of these visits have been children under the age of 15.
During weekdays, over 1 in 3 visits have taken place after 5pm.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is Strengthening Medicare by ensuring all Tasmanians have better access to doctors and nurses when and where they need it - entirely bulk billed.
"Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are already delivering for Tasmanians.
"There have been over 56,600 presentations to the four Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania, meaning patients have been able to receive urgent care quickly and for free."
Quotes attributable to Julie Collins MP, Member for Franklin:
"Our five Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania are easing pressure on our state's hospital emergency departments and the hardworking doctors and nurses who staff them, so that they can focus on higher-priority emergencies and lifesaving care.
"This is just one way the Albanese Labor Government is cleaning up Medicare after nine years of cuts and neglect from the former Liberal government.
"Our government is strengthening Medicare, we have invested in bulk billing and made medicines cheaper."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma:
"The Bridgewater Urgent Care Clinic will reduce pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital and make it easier for people to see a doctor or nurse when urgent, but non-life-threatening care is required.
"We will continue to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics continue meeting the needs of Tasmanian patients.
"The Tasmanian Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about taking more action, right now, on issues affecting Tasmanians like health."
Quotes attributable to Brian Mitchell MP, Federal Member for Lyons:
"The Bridgewater Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is going to make a big difference to those living in the northern suburbs.
"I strongly made the case for the people of Bridgewater and its surrounds to have an alternative option than driving into Hobart for non-emergency medical visits.
"It's a big win and I'm excited to finally see it become a reality."
Quotes attributable to Rebecca White, Candidate for Lyons:
"Labor is making sure you can access free, high quality medical care when you need it - during the day, after school or work, and on weekends, without having to wait for an appointment or travel far.
"As a parent who has spent a long night waiting in an emergency department, I know the peace of mind this will give local families in the Bridgewater area."
