Dapto Urgent Care Service officially opens
19 January 2024
NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park visited Dapto Medical and Dental Centre today to officially open the new Dapto Urgent Care Service.
More than 1200 residents and visitors to the Illawarra have accessed timely medical care since the Dapto Urgent Care Service opened its doors before Christmas, with approximately 40 people a day visiting the service over the holiday period.
Prue Buist, Chief Executive Officer of COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN said: “We were determined to open the doors to this new service in time for the usual increase in demand for urgent and semi-urgent care experienced over the holiday period.
"The number of people seeking help at Dapto Urgent Care Service in its first month of operation is a good indication of the need for this service.
"Urgent Care Services are an important alternative to hospital emergency departments for people who have urgent and but not life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as fractures, dislocations, non-venomous bites, wounds, minor burns, and cuts requiring stitches.
“People of all ages with urgent care needs can access urgent care by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222,” said Ms Buist.
Dapto Urgent Care Service is open from 8am to 8pm every day of the week, including on public holidays.
“Both the Australian and NSW Governments are funding more options to see a healthcare professional when there is an urgent, but not life-threatening, need for care and this is great for the Illawarra region. This initiative is about improving patient experience and ensuring the best appropriate use of health resources,” Ms Buist added.
In addition to the Dapto Urgent Care Service, two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) are currently operating in South Eastern NSW, one in Corrimal and one in Batemans Bay.
You can read more about urgent care.
Header image* (left to right) Minister for Health Ryan Park, Anna Watson MP, Member for Shellharbour, Stephen Jones MP, Member for Whitlam, COORDINARE CEO Prue Buist.