Patients, their families and carers living in Tweed, Byron and Murwillumbah communities will have more options for timely, tailored healthcare with a new urgent care service in the region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the new Rapid Outreach Service will reduce unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

“We know many people who visit our EDs could receive more timely and better tailored care within a community setting,” Mr Park said.

“The Rapid Outreach Service will enable patients to be treated in the comfort of their own homes, which will make a big difference.

“This model is designed to create better links between the hospital and primary care systems – providing an additional option for people to receive urgent care for injuries and illnesses when a GP is unavailable.

“We know there is a high and ongoing demand for emergency care in the Tweed region, which is why we’re investing heavily in building the new Tweed Valley Hospital and expanding the capacity of health services in the area.”

Care will be provided at no cost to the patient and will include access to pathology, radiology and allied health services.

The Rapid Outreach Service will operate seven days a week and patients can be referred through several avenues, including via Healthdirect, NSW Ambulance or emergency department staff.

The service will become operational from late-2023 and will provide care to the Tweed, Byron and Murwillumbah communities.

The model will include access to care from GPs, nurses, allied health clinicians and extended care paramedics.

It can also link in with other services such as Aboriginal Health Workers and Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Services.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the service would boost access to health care in the region.

“By providing care and support in person in the patient’s own home or aged care facility, as well as through virtual care platforms, it removes the burden of having to travel to hospital or the GP for healthcare,” Ms Saffin said.

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot welcomed the new service.

“This is yet another innovative project which will really benefit people here in northern NSW,” Ms Elliot said.

The Rapid Outreach Service is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $124 million program over two years to deliver 25 urgent care services.

The 25 Urgent Care Services will fill a major gap in access to timely healthcare and make it easier for patients, families and carers to access urgent care in the community by creating better links between the hospital system, emergency department and primary care system.

The NSW Government expects all 25 Urgent Care Services to be operational by mid-2025.