JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON MARK BUTLER MP, MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE 

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR 

The Albanese Labor Government has honoured an important election commitment to the people of Ipswich, delivering a brand new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) at the Riverlink Medical & Dental Centre in North Ipswich.

The clinic opened its doors to patients today, and will operate for extended hours, seven days a week, easing pressure on Ipswich Hospital.

Highly trained doctors and nurses will provide care, with no need for an appointment. 

More than 22 per cent of current emergency department cases presenting at Ipswich Hospital are classified as semi or non-urgent.  

The Ipswich Medicare UCC delivers on the Albanese Government’s commitment to make it easier for the community to get the urgent treatment they need while taking pressure off hospitals. 

A total of 11 Medicare UCCs will open across Queensland by the end of the year, including in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Cairns, Southern Brisbane, Northern Brisbane, Gold Coast, Redcliffe, Logan, Townsville and Toowoomba. 

Read more about Medicare Urgent Care Clinics here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/medicare-urgent-care-clinics

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:  

“The Ipswich Medicare UCC will make a huge difference to local families. They’ll be able to walk in and receive convenient, high-quality care from a nurse or a doctor. 

“The Federal Government has worked closely with the Queensland Government and Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network to ensure that the UCC aligns with local health services and the needs of the community.  

“The Ipswich Medicare UCC is just another way the Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier to see a doctor.” 

Quotes attributable to Shayne Neumann, Member for Blair:  

“This is great news for families in our community, making it cheaper and easier to see a doctor, while freeing up the hardworking doctors and nurses at Ipswich Hospital to focus on saving lives.

“From broken bones to burns, coughs, colds or cuts, you can head straight to the clinic rather than to the emergency department.

“The Ipswich UCC will ensure local families can get bulk billed care closer to home when they need it, without an appointment, which will help ease cost of living pressures.

“Ipswich is the fastest growing city in Queensland, so it it’s absolutely vital for health infrastructure and services to keep pace with population growth. 

“I have been fighting for years to improve access to healthcare for people in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area in my electorate, so I’m proud that the Albanese Government is delivering this much-needed service for our community.”