MEDIA RELEASE: Fiona Phillips calls for second South Coast Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

MEDIA RELEASE: Fiona Phillips calls for second South Coast Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Main Image

02 February 2025

Following the outstanding success of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is lobbying for a second facility on the South Coast.

The Batemans Bay Clinic has been open just over 12 months, with more than 11,000 people making use of the free, bulk-billed service in that time.

Mrs Phillips said the Batemans Bay community had embraced the clinic and, as a result, people from other towns and villages were also keen to have the free service to take the strain off local hospitals.

“I’ve been contacted by people from right across the region asking for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in their town because they have seen how well the Batemans Bay one is working – and they want one as well,” she said.

“I would love to see a second free, bulk-billed clinic open for the people of the South Coast, and I’m seeking feedback from the community about possible locations.

“South Coast locals have told me how important access to quality, affordable health care is to them, which is why I’m calling for another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.”

Mrs Phillips said, as part of its plan to improve health services, the Albanese Labor Government was continuing to establish Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the country.

Labor created Medicare because we understand the importance of healthcare for all,” she said.

“With many retirees, young families and a population that swells during the holiday periods, it would be great to have a second Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the region, where patients can just walk in, and all services are bulk-billed.

“The clinics take pressure off our emergency departments by providing treatment for a range of conditions and injuries that need urgent attention but aren’t life threatening, like cuts, sprains and viral infections.

“They are open seven days, with extended hours during holiday periods, ensuring people can access the care they need quickly, without long waits or financial stress.

“I urge people living on the South Coast to provide feedback and sign my petition now.

“Let’s make this happen together. “

Mrs Phillips said she would continue working to improve health care for the people of Gilmore after securing the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, free walk-in Medicare Mental Health Clinics at Moruya and Nowra, the bulk-billed South Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton, a new Kiama headspace and funding for construction of Waminda’s purpose-built Birthing on Country facility at Nowra.

“The Albanese Labor Government is improving Medicare, making medicine cheaper, we’ve introduced  60-day scripts and added more life-saving medicines to the PBS. We’re training more doctors, nurses and mental health workers in regional areas and providing uni subsidies and free Tafe courses to attract more people into these fields, because your health matters,” she added.

Sign the Urgent Care Clinic petition and have your say HERE.

 

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is lobbying for a second Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on the South Coast and is seeking feedback from local residents.

Media contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967