From Monday 4 March, Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) will be open longer hours to accommodate the growing number of people seeking urgent care without having to visit the emergency department.  

The clinic will be open from 8am – 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 6pm on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.   

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) CEO Sean Rooney said the clinic had seen more than 1,174 people since opening in December and was now averaging 30-40 patients a day. 

“With the extended opening hours, the clinic will have the capacity to see more people requiring urgent care, while further helping to ease pressure for the emergency department, which is great news,” he said. 

“Medicare UCCs are about increasing access to immediate medical services in our community and avoiding unnecessary trips to the hospital. 

“The Cairns South Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is achieving this goal and has already become an asset to the community as an additional health care option that complements existing services.”  

The Cairns South Medicare UCC has seen patients for spider bites, ear infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and lacerations.   

Balance! Healthcare Founder and Director Kate Gunn said Cairns residents experiencing urgent, but not life-threatening, health conditions could generally be seen more quickly than if they waited at the emergency department. 

“We are now seeing about 40 patients a day for wound care, stitches, UTIs, STIs, and fractures,” Ms Gunn said. 

“To ensure the clinic can support people who need urgent care, we encourage those without urgent needs to seek treatment from their own GP. 

“If a patient presents with a life-threatening emergency, they will be transferred to the emergency department at Cairns Hospital.” 

Cairns residents can access urgent care when they need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with their usual general practitioner (GP). Patients should always contact their regular GP in the first instance. 

The Cairns South Medicare UCC is located next to Balance! Edmonton Family Practice at 5b Walker Road, Edmonton.