More than 1,200 patients have already benefitted from a new Urgent Care Service (UCS) at Dapto since it opened its doors to patients in December last year.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said in the month since the Dapto Urgent Care Service has opened it is already making a significant contribution to the community.
"The Dapto Urgent Care Service is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries which are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening, such as wounds, minor burns, infections, sprains, minor breaks, gastroenteritis, rashes and conjunctivitis," Mr Park said.
“It's so pleasing to see more than 1200 people have already been channelled into more appropriate care as a result of this service, reducing wait times for patients and their families.
“I'm committed to increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the urgent care they need."
Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones said the Dapto UCS is an important complement to urgent care already being provided by local GPs and hospitals.
“I'm pleased people in our community are already benefitting from the Dapto Urgent Care Service with no out of pocket cost," Mr Jones said.
“We're committed to strengthening Medicare, because locals deserve access to high quality healthcare using their Medicare card, not their credit card."
“The Commonwealth and NSW Governments are supporting people with urgent care needs, and taking pressure off our local hospitals and hard-working staff."
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson highlighted the importance of the Dapto UCS for the local community.
“The Dapto Urgent Care Service gives people a genuine alternative outside of a busy ED, when they have difficulty getting a GP appointment, or when their GP is closed, such as on a weekend," Ms Watson said.
“The new urgent care service here in Dapto makes it easier for people to access healthcare for urgent – but not life-threatening – illnesses and injuries more quickly and easily.
“I'm really pleased we're delivering an incredibly important health service for the families in our local community."
The Dapto UCS is staffed by GPs and nurses and has important diagnostic services such as radiology and pathology on site.
The Dapto Urgent Care Service is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm. To access the service, patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
A Healthdirect registered nurse assesses the patient's condition and guides them to the care they need, including booking an appointment at the service on the patient's behalf or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.
The Dapto Urgent Care Service is delivered in partnership with COORDINARE, the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network.
NSW Health has partnered with primary health networks to deliver additional urgent care services right across the state, in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW continue to receive care at the right time and place.
The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.