October 23, 2023
A free Urgent Care Clinic was officially opened on Monday in the grounds of the Toowoomba Medical and Dental Centre in a bid to take pressure off local emergency departments.
The Toowoomba Medicare UCC is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments.
It will provide urgent treatment for conditions that are not life threatening.
A Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN spokesperson said the clinic was for people who needed time-sensitive care but cannot see their GP and do not need to go to Emergency.
“Patients will be bulk-billed and able to walk in to use the service at Toowoomba Medical and Dental Centre during extended hours, seven days a week, including on public holidays. Any diagnostic services, such as radiology and pathology, will also be provided with no out-of-pocket fees to the patient,” the spokesperson said.
“Patients can walk in and self-refer or be referred by a GP, hospital emergency department, 13 HEALTH or Queensland Ambulance Service.
“The clinic operates from 7:00am to 10:00pm on weekdays, and 8:00am to 10:00pm on weekends and public holidays.”
“The Medicare UCC will treat urgent injuries and illnesses such as minor infections, fractures and sports injuries, minor cuts and abrasions, insect bites, rashes, and respiratory conditions like fevers and coughs,” health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
“It is important to note that people who have major trauma or complex conditions should continue to go to the hospital Emergency Department.”
Toowoomba Medical and Dental Centre is located at the corner of West and James streets, Toowoomba.
