Urgent Care Service boost for Goulburn
12 August 2024
The Goulburn community is able to access non-emergency healthcare in a more timely way, and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, thanks to a new Urgent Care Service opening today.
The Goulburn Urgent Care Service will be 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 deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor wounds needing stiches, 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 COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN.
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.”
“This new service will improve access to care, reduce wait times and take pressure off our local hospitals.”
“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 care they need.”
Quotes attributable to COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN 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."
"The Goulburn Urgent Care Service is available for the local community who need fast medical attention for a health issue that is not life-threatening."
You can read more about urgent care here.