The Mount Gambier Medicare Urgent Care Centre (UCC) has been a successful addition to local healthcare, with more than 600 visits since its opening a month ago.


The Crouch Street South clinic was part of the Federal Government’s election campaign.


The UCC was established to streamline access to prompt medical care for residents from accomplished doctors and nurses, while alleviating the pressure on local hospitals to ensure a more efficient and accessible healthcare experience for the community.


“The Mount Gambier Medicare UCC is making a big difference to the community since opening on November 20,” a Federal Health spokesperson said.


“As of December 11, the clinic has had over 600 visits, averaging approximately 200 visits per week.


“The Mount Gambier Medicare UCC is providing people with more options to see a healthcare professional when they have an urgent, but not life threatening, need for care, and reducing pressure on the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service Emergency Department.”


Residents in the Limestone Coast can access swift, non-life-threatening care at the clinic, even if it is outside standard hours, and require only their Medicare card.


“The Mount Gambier Medicare UCC is open seven days a week, extended hours and is bulk billed – all patients need is their Medicare card, not their credit card,” the Federal Health spokesperson said.


“Medicare UCCs were announced as a trial of a new model of care to take pressure off public hospital emergency departments in the announced locations.


“The government is closely monitoring and evaluating the clinics to inform consideration of the future of the program.”