Accredited General Practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the vicinity of Maitland and Terrigal are advised that an Expression of Interest is now open for the establishment of a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

In May 2025, the Albanese Government confirmed the expansion of free urgent care, with a $657.9 million commitment to open another further 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and expand existing services, with more clinics in every state and territory.

The additional locations were selected following extensive engagement with each state and territory government, who submitted proposals outlining priority investment opportunities to boost the Medicare UCC Program and reduce unnecessary presentations to hospitals. Two have been allocated to HNECC PHN and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing identified the Maitland and Terrigal areas as locations for new UCCs.

The two new clinics will add to the five Medicare Urgent Care Clinics already commissioned by the HNECC PHN.

The purpose of the EOI is to seek interest and pre-qualify general practices and ACCHS that may have capacity and capability to deliver a UCC ahead of a competitive Request for Tender being released.

• General Practices and ACCHS' located within the following suburbs are encouraged to submit an EOI: Maitland, East Maitland, Lorn, Morpeth, Thornton and Tenambit. Read more.
• General Practices and ACCHS' located within the following suburbs are encouraged to submit an EOI: Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Erina, Kincumber and Wamberal.

UCCs are a model of care designed to reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments (EDs) and give Medicare card holders more options to see a healthcare professional when they have an urgent but not life-threatening need for care. They will be GP led with a multidisciplinary staffing mix.

It is expected that UCCs will be based in existing general practices or ACCHS where access to pharmacy, radiology and pathology services are readily available or located in close proximity. UCCs will be available after normal business hours and on weekends/ public holidays and be at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.