ALISON BYRNES MP

MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM

MEDIA RELEASE

WOLLONGONG’S URGENT CARE CLINIC TURNS THREE

Wollongong’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Corrimal is celebrating three years of delivering free, walk-in care for local families, with over 43,000 presentations since opening on 26 July 2023.

By treating urgent but non-life-threatening conditions like minor fractures, sprains, burns, fevers and infections, the clinic has helped Illawarra patients avoid out-of-pocket costs and eased demand on Wollongong Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Nationally, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are helping reduce pressure on hospitals, with equivalent emergency department presentations down by around 10 per cent and 45 per cent of patients reporting they would otherwise have gone to an emergency department or called an ambulance

The recent Federal Budget has made Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of Australia’s health system – ensuring they will stay open and free.

At the same time, the Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare across the Illawarra and delivering practical cost-of-living relief for local families. Across Cunningham, this includes:

• 26 fully bulk billing clinics, with the bulk billing rate now 82.8 per cent.
• more than $19 million saved on more than 3 million cheaper prescriptions since July 2022.
• free mental health and wellbeing support through the Illawarra Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub in Fairy Meadow and the Wollongong Mental Health Hub, with no referral required.
• 1800MEDICARE, offering free, 24/7 health advice and after-hours GP telehealth support.

The Albanese Labor Government’s record investments in Medicare are delivering practical cost-of-living relief and making it easier for local families to access affordable healthcare close to home.

The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic provides fully bulk-billed care without an appointment. The clinic is located at Corrimal Medical and Dental Centre on Underwood Street and is open seven days a week from 7am-9pm.

Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes MP, Member for Cunningham:

“Three years on, the Corrimal Urgent Care Clinic is making a real difference for families across our community.

“With more than 43,000 presentations, the clinic has become a trusted local option for people who need urgent care without worrying about the cost or an unnecessary trip to hospital.

“It is also helping to ease pressure on Wollongong Hospital, allowing emergency doctors and nurses to focus on the most serious and life-threatening cases.

“This is practical cost-of-living relief for people across our community — free urgent care, more bulk billing, cheaper medicines and better access to health services close to home.

“Thank you to all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and healthcare workers across the Illawarra who provide care and support to our community every day.”

ENDS