Goulburn and surrounding communities are now able to access non-emergency healthcare in a more timely way, and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, with the opening of a new Urgent Care Service opening today.
The Goulburn Urgent Care Service is now open 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday. It will be staffed by staffed by General Practitioners and nurses with important diagnostic services close by including radiology and pathology.
The service is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor wounds needing stitches, suspected broken bones and skin infections.
Patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to access the service. A registered nurse will assess the patient's condition and then discuss with the patient the best place for their care needs. This may include an appointment at the Goulburn Urgent Care Service, a telehealth appointment with the virtualKIDS or virtualGP services or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.
The Goulburn Urgent Care Service is being delivered in partnership with the Coordinare - South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network.
The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through our emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further two years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“Goulburn Urgent Care Service will provide the community with access to timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the ED.”
“Urgent care services just like this one, bridge the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the care they need.”
“The best way to get access to our urgent care services if you’re feeling unwell or worried about symptoms is to call healthdirect anytime on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess your condition and connect you with the care you need, whether an appointment at Goulburn urgent care service or virtual care. It means healthcare, anywhere, in the time it takes to make a phone call.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva:
“I welcome this new service which will make a difference to people who live in Goulburn and surrounds.”
“It will improve access to care, reduce wait times and take pressure off our local hospitals.”
Quotes attributable to Coordinaire Chief Executive Officer Prudence Buist:
“We know this new service is needed in the Goulburn region and are committed to support more options for the community to see a healthcare professional when there is an urgent, but not life-threatening, need for care.”
“People should use Goulburn Urgent Care Service if they are unable to get an appointment with a local doctor for a health issue which should not be left untreated, including injuries and illnesses such as wounds, minor burns, and cuts requiring stitches, non-venomous bites, fractures and dislocations.”
