Bundaberg residents will once again have access to bulk-billed, urgent care without the need to visit the emergency department, with the reopening of the Bundaberg Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
Funded by Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ) through the Australian Government’s PHN Program, the clinic is located at 53 Commercial Street, Kensington, co-located with Central Medical Bundaberg, ensuring strong integration with local primary care.
CCQ Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said the return of the service demonstrated the ability of health services to work together to meet the evolving needs of the Bundaberg community.
‘When the original clinic closed unexpectedly in late 2024, we knew that leaving a gap in urgent care access was not an option for our community,” she said.
“In response, CCQ immediately mobilised two interim solutions—the 24/7 Connect2Care Bundaberg phone service and the We Are Open initiative.
“To date, Connect2Care has responded to 532 telephone calls to the service and the We Are Open initiative has delivered 1,069 extended hours general practice services to Bundaberg residents.
‘Now, with the reopening of a dedicated Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, we can ensure Bundaberg residents continue to have timely access to urgent care services while also supporting the region’s broader primary care network.”
Following a competitive procurement process aligned with the Australian Government’s requirements, ForHealth has been awarded the contract to deliver the Bundaberg UCC.
This decision follows an independent evaluation process and brings an established model of urgent care delivery that complements and strengthens local health services.
Supporting general practice and building local capacity
A key feature of the re-opened UCC is its co-location within an existing general practice, ensuring continuity of care for local patients while expanding urgent care access for the wider Bundaberg community.
Bianca Arnold, Practice Manager at Central Medical Bundaberg, welcomed the reopening of the service and the benefits it brings to local residents.
‘Our practice has been caring for the Bundaberg community since 2005, and this new model ensures patients continue to see familiar GPs while also benefiting from bulk-billed urgent care when they need it.
With this approach, we’re helping to strengthen Bundaberg’s healthcare workforce and improve access for patients who need immediate medical attention.
The existing general practice will become part of the ForHealth group, with the existing local GPs, nurses and practice staff continuing to provide general practice services alongside the urgent care clinic.
This integrated model of general practice and urgent care will increase the availability of primary health services to the Bundaberg community.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics: how they work
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide walk-in, bulk-billed care for non-life-threatening conditions that need immediate attention but do not require a visit to the emergency department.
This includes:
✔ Sprains, sports injuries, and minor fractures
✔ Minor cuts and wound care
✔ Respiratory illnesses and infections
✔ Gastroenteritis and dehydration
✔ Minor burns, insect bites, and rashes
No referrals are required, and patients can walk in without an appointment.
Ms Sturgess reminded the community that while UCCs are a valuable alternative to emergency departments, they do not replace general practice for ongoing or preventative care.
“Your GP remains your first point of contact for routine healthcare, chronic condition management, and preventative health services,” she said.
“If you don’t have a regular GP, visit healthdirect to find one with available appointments.”
Additionally, the 24/7 Connect2Care service will remain available for immediate support, offering access to a registered nurse for assessment and referral, as well as a virtual GP service, via 1800 841 864.
Bundaberg Medicare Urgent Care Clinic: What You Need to Know
- Initial Operating Hours: 9 am – 7 pm, seven days
- Location: Co-located with Central Medical Bundaberg, 53 Commercial Street, Kensington
- Services: Bulk-billed, walk-in care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions
- No referral required
For more information about the Bundaberg Medicare Urgent Care Clinic click here.
