BRISBANE, December 30, 2023 — Residents in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and the Redlands now have increased access to bulk-billed urgent care, with two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics opening their doors at Carina-Carindale and Capalaba. These clinics aim to provide a crucial safety net for non-life-threatening conditions, offering a more accessible and affordable alternative to crowded hospital emergency rooms.
Easing the Strain on Queensland Hospitals
The new clinics are part of a broader federal initiative to improve healthcare access and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments.
- Two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics have opened in Brisbane, offering bulk-billed services.
- The clinics are located at Carina-Carindale (805 Old Cleveland Rd) and Capalaba (2/8 Dollery Rd).
- Data indicates these clinics are already helping to reduce demand on Queensland hospitals.
- The Federal Government aims to ensure four out of five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a clinic.
The Carina-Carindale clinic, situated at 805 Old Cleveland Rd, is open seven days a week with extended hours. The Capalaba location, at 2/8 Dollery Rd, began welcoming patients on December 29. No appointments are necessary, and all services are fully bulk billed, removing a significant financial barrier to care.
These clinics are staffed by experienced doctors and nurses equipped to handle a variety of urgent, yet non-life-threatening, health concerns. Common conditions treated include cuts, viral infections, and sprains. The goal is to provide timely medical attention for issues that require prompt care but don’t necessitate a trip to the hospital.
The addition of these two sites brings the total number of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Queensland to 19, with plans for five more across the state. Nationally, the Federal Government is working towards a goal of ensuring that four out of five Australians can reach a clinic within a 20-minute drive.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the positive impact of this expansion. “We’re delivering on our promise to open more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Queensland,” he stated.
Federal Member for Bonner, Kara Cook, highlighted the benefits for local families. “These new clinics mean locals can get urgent care quickly and easily, without the stress of long waits or high costs,” Cook said. “We’re easing the strain on emergency departments and ensuring people get the right care, close to home. This is about putting patients first.”
