Residents of Batemans Bay will soon have access to crucial medical support as the eagerly awaited Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) officially launched this week with a provider selected.
The clinic, operated by ForHealth, will operate from the grounds of Batemans Bay Hospital at 7 Pacific St, Batemans Bay and is designed to provide immediate care to individuals with non-life-threatening medical conditions.
It comes as a response to the growing demand for accessible and affordable urgent medical attention in the Batemans Bay area and aims to alleviate the strain on the Batemans Bay Hospital and Moruya Emergency Department and provide a more convenient option for patients in need.
One of the standout features of the Batemans Bay Medicare UCC is its extended operating hours, with services to be available from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week, including public holidays. This convenience ensures that individuals can seek prompt medical attention when they need it most.
Chief Executive Officer of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW Public Health Network, Prudence Buist, said the new
clinic should make it easier for Batemans Bay residents to get the urgent treatment they need.
“We’ve worked closely with both the Australian and NSW governments to ensure the Medicare UCCs align with local health services and the needs of our community,” Ms Buist said.
“It is exciting to soon welcome a new free service to the community for assistance with urgent care needs, in lieu of going to the emergency department. We look forward to the formal opening toward the end of the year,” said Ms Buist.
Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore, expressed her enthusiasm for the clinic’s opening, highlighting its location on the grounds of Batemans Bay Hospital.
She emphasized that this proximity would make it easier for the local community to access urgent care without the added burden of out-of-pocket costs, as the clinic offers fully bulk-billed services.
“Patients will be able to walk in, see a doctor or nurse and access imaging and pathology services,” Ms Phillips said.
The UCC is the first step in developing a comprehensive healthcare system for the Batemans Bay community.
With its launch, residents can expect improved access to medical care, reduced pressure on the emergency department, and a valuable resource for handling non-life-threatening health issues from 1 December 2023.
Images: Southern NSW LHD, Fiona Phillips, Google
