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Urgent Care Clinic Reopens

February 5, 2025 6:03 am in by
Image: Country to Coast Qld (supplied)

A bulk billing medical service has returned to Bundaberg after its sudden closure three months ago.

The Urgent Care Clinic had been operating out of IWC but closed in late October.

It’s now back and has a new home – 53 Commercial Street, Kensington, co-located with Central Medical Bundaberg.

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Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ) Chief Executive Julie Sturgess says the return of the service demonstrates the ability of health services to work together to meet the evolving needs of the Bundaberg community.

“When the original clinic closed unexpectedly in late 2024, we knew that leaving a gap in urgent care access was not an option for our community. In response, CCQ immediately mobilised two interim solutions—the 24/7 Connect2Care Bundaberg phone service and the We Are Open initiative. To date, Connect2Care has responded to 532 telephone calls to the service and the We Are Open initiative has delivered 1,069 extended hours general practice services to Bundaberg residents.

“Now, with the reopening of a dedicated Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, we can ensure Bundaberg residents continue to have timely access to urgent care services while also supporting the region’s broader primary care network,” Ms Sturgess says.

Following a competitive procurement process aligned with the Australian Government’s requirements, ForHealth has been awarded the contract to deliver the Bundaberg UCC. This decision follows an independent evaluation process and brings an established model of urgent care delivery that complements and strengthens local health services.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide walk-in, bulk-billed care for non-life-threatening conditions that need immediate attention but do not require a visit to the emergency department. This includes:

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✔ Sprains, sports injuries, and minor fractures
✔ Minor cuts and wound care
✔ Respiratory illnesses and infections
✔ Gastroenteritis and dehydration
✔ Minor burns, insect bites, and rashes

No referrals are required, and patients can walk in without an appointment.

Ms Sturgess is reminding the community that while UCCs are a valuable alternative to emergency departments, they do not replace general practice for ongoing or preventative care.

“Your GP remains your first point of contact for routine healthcare, chronic condition management, and preventative health services. If you don’t have a regular GP, visit healthdirect to find one with available appointments.”

Additionally, the 24/7 Connect2Care service will remain available for immediate support, offering access to a registered nurse for assessment and referral, as well as a virtual GP service, via 1800 841 864.

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Bundaberg Medicare Urgent Care Clinic: What You Need to Know

  • Opening Date: 4 February 2025
  • Initial Operating Hours: 9am – 7pm, 7 days
  • Location: Co-located with Central Medical Bundaberg, 53 Commercial Street, Kensington
  • Services: Bulk-billed, walk-in care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions
  • No referral required
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