Government unable to confirm opening details for urgent care clinic

Despite Bundaberg’s healthcare system being “under serious pressure” it remains unclear when the highly-anticipated bulk-billed Urgent Care Clinic will open.

The Minister for Health clashed with the Member for Flynn.

It remains unclear when Bundaberg’s urgent care clinic will open as politicians fear residents have been “sold a lie” over the rollout of the bulk-billed health care initiatives.

Federal Member for Colin Boyce and Shadow Minister for Health Senator Anne Ruston slammed the federal government’s rollout of urgent care clinics which were promised at the 2022 federal election.

They say only a handful of the 11 clinics promised for Queensland to ease the pressure of the healthcare crisis have been opened.

The clinics were expected to operate on extended hours, seven days a week offering bulk-billed health care for conditions such as sprains, broken bones, stitches for cuts, wound care, minor burns, insect bites and minor ear and eye problems under the guidance of nurses and doctors.

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“Our healthcare system is under serious pressure, and now they have broken their promise on delivering an Urgent Care Clinic in Rockhampton and Bundaberg to relieve local hospitals,” Mr Boyce said.

Colin Boyce said the federal government committed to July 1 opening dates. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“Labor promised local residents that they would establish this additional health service, yet their failure to meet the deadline proves that they cannot be trusted to deliver real and urgent outcomes.”

Ms Ruston said no details have been provided on the delay.

“Labor also promised that every Urgent Care Clinic would be open during the extended times of 8am-10pm as a key part of their operation, but it was revealed in Budget Estimates that this won’t even be the case,” she said.

“It is becoming more and more evident that Labor sold the public a lie.”

However Minister for Health Mark Butler said no firm timeline was ever given, only that the clinics would be open following the start of the 2023-24 financial year.

Mr Butler said via a statement that the clinics would be open within coming months, however would not confirm a specific date.

“Medicare UCCs are just one way the Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier for Queenslanders to receive the medical care they need when they need it,’ Mr Butler said.

“The Budget included the Government’s commitment to make it easier to see a doctor and taking pressure off overwhelmed emergency departments with our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.”