Nowra’s new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is one step closer, with tenders to operate the facility being called this week.

Led by the South Eastern New South Wales Primary Health Network, tenders will be open to general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said she was thrilled plans to open the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic were moving ahead.

“Opening a second, federally-funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on the South Coast was an important election promise and I am pleased to be delivering it for the people of Nowra,” she said.

“People have told me they’ve waited up to six hours to see a doctor at the very busy Shoalhaven Hospital ED and I know they are very excited for the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic doors to open.”

Mrs Phillips said the clinic would provide fully bulk billed care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, seven days a week, for extended hours, and with no appointment needed.

“The Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will build on the very successful clinic at Batemans Bay that has treated more than 17,000 people, including local residents and visitors to the South Coast, since the doors opened in December 2023,” she said.

“With many retirees, young families and a population that swells during the holiday periods, a second Medicare Urgent Care Clinic on the South Coast will take pressure off our emergency departments.

“It will provide treatment for a range of conditions and injuries that need urgent attention but aren’t life threatening, like cuts, sprains and viral infections.

“I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is listening to my South Coast community and ensuring that locals can get the urgent care they need.

“And all they will need is their Medicare Card.”

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips says a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Nowra will ensure people can access the care they need quickly, without long waits or financial stress.