From today, 18 December 2023, residents in Townsville will now have access to free bulk-billed urgent care, with the opening of the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) at Eastbrooke Family Clinic.

Located at 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central, the Townsville Medicare UCC is open 11am-9pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.

The clinic offers walk-in care to treat urgent non-life-threatening conditions that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) CEO Sean Rooney said the Townsville Medicare UCC would make it easier for the community to access timely health care.

“Today’s opening of the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will make a positive impact in the lives of the people of North Queensland,” Mr Rooney said.

“The clinic will help to reduce pressure on the Townsville University Hospital’s emergency department (ED) and bridge the gap between general practitioner care and the emergency department for people in the region.”

Director of Eastbrooke Medical Centres Andrew de Picot said the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic was now providing urgent care for residents.

“The clinic will now provide free bulk-billed care for urgent health conditions, such as minor fractures, sprains and sports injuries, wounds, minor burns, infections, and illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTI) and gastroenteritis,” Mr de Picot said.

“Patients can walk-in without an appointment or referral and be seen by a highly trained doctor and nurse in a GP setting – no need to wait in a hospital emergency department.”

Eastbrooke Family Clinic was selected to establish the Townsville Medicare UCC following a rigorous select tender process.