NSW Latest Urgent Care Service Boost For Wagga Wagga
People in Wagga Wagga and surrounding communities can now access healthcare more quickly and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, thanks to a new local urgent care service.
The Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service operates as a cooperative model, offering approximately 100 GP-based appointments per week across seven different practices in the Wagga Wagga region. Each practice is staffed by General Practitioners and nurses who are equipped to treat a range of urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. This service is delivered in partnership with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.
To access the Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service, patients must call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need, which may include booking an appointment on the patient’s behalf.
The Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service is available year-round, operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It complements the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Rapid Access Clinic which is a service operating from the hospital offering a range of services including diagnostics, allied health, Hospital in the Home, an Infusion Clinic, minor procedures and specialist team review.
Healthcare provided at Wagga Wagga Urgent Care Service will be bulk billed.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to enhancing access to care and reducing wait times through the half a billion dollar emergency department relief package announced in the FY2024/25 NSW Budget. This package includes support for urgent care services, offering alternative pathways to care outside of hospitals.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“The Minns Labor Government is expanding Urgent Care Services so communities such as Wagga Wagga can receive fast effective care close to home, while also easing pressure on our emergency departments.
“This service will enable members of the community to receive care quickly for conditions which can be safely and appropriately treated outside our hospitals, including minor wounds which need stitches, and suspected broken bones.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:
“This is a very welcome enhancement to local health services that will improve access to care and reduce wait times for local patients.
“By providing patients with non-life-threatening conditions with quality, bulk-billed care, it will ease pressure on the emergency department at Wagga Base Hospital and deliver a valuable healthcare alternative to people from Wagga and surrounding communities.”
Quotes attributable to the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network CEO Stewart Gordon
“The Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service is designed to deliver better access to timely healthcare when it’s most needed.
”By making same-day GP appointments available at no cost, we’re helping residents get the right care quickly, and providing real solutions for our local communities.”
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250508_02.aspx