Plans to establish a new Australian Government-funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Hobart's northern suburbs and expand access to fully bulk-billed care are now one step closer.
Tenders have been released today by the Tasmanian Government inviting providers to express interest in operating a new clinic in Bridgewater, marking a key milestone in the project.
It will join the four existing Tasmanian clinics in Hobart (Liverpool Street and Bathurst Street), Devonport and Launceston, which have already seen tens of thousands of patients in their first year of operation.
Importantly, the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Bridgewater will reduce pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital by giving Tasmanians living in Hobart's northern suburbs another option for their urgent health care needs.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said this is an important step in delivering a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for Bridgewater.
"The Bridgewater Urgent Care Clinic, funded by the Albanese Government, will mean more Tasmanians can access this fantastic health service to receive urgent bulk-billed care instead of waiting in hospital emergency departments.
"Tasmanians love the accessibility of the current Medicare Urgent Care Clinics with over 35,000 presentations at the current clinics meaning patients have been able to receive urgent care quickly and for free."
Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, welcomed the progress and said the Tasmanian Government was working to ensure the clinic was up and running as soon as possible.
"Urgent Care Clinics provide an important primary care option for Tasmanians who can't wait for an appointment with their regular GP but do not require a visit to the Emergency Department," said Minister Barnett.
"It is pleasing that a new Bridgewater clinic is one step closer to providing Tasmanians with the primary care they need, alleviating pressure on our hospitals. Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about taking more action, right now, on issues affecting Tasmanians like health.
"We will continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure this UCC is up and running and seeing patients as quickly as possible."
Local Federal MP for Lyons, Brian Mitchell said: "The new Bridgewater Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will make a real difference to urgent healthcare delivery in the northern suburbs.
"I made the case for this clinic and I'm delighted the Albanese Government has recognised the merits of my argument."
