The Australian Government's Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) program aims to improve timely access to urgent (non-emergency) primary health care and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments. The program funds selected general practices, community health centres, or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to deliver walk-in, bulk-billed urgent care during extended hours, seven days a week.

The WNSW PHN is commissioning a Medicare UCC in Bathurst to address growing demand for urgent care services and improve equitable access for the local community. This initiative builds on the national UCC strategy and responds to identified service gaps in the Bathurst region, including high non-urgent presentations to hospital emergency departments and limited after-hours options for patients.

This service is expected to:

a) Provide accessible, walk-in urgent care for conditions that are non-life-threatening but require prompt attention.

b) Operate with extended hours, including evenings and weekends, complementing existing GP and hospital services.

c) Support care continuity by integrating with local general practices, hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and other health providers.

d) Reduce unnecessary emergency department attendances and improve patient experience.

The commissioning process is being initiated through this Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify suitable providers with capacity, infrastructure, and workforce to meet the UCC service model. Suitable providers will progress to an additional stage of the procurement process.