The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to boost funding for the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
The additional funding will boost the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic with additional funding to extend its operating hours and to employ more doctors and nurses in periods of high demand.
By increasing the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, even more patients will be able to receive free, high-quality urgent care without congesting the Emergency Departments of local hospitals, including the John Hunter Hospital.
Since opening in November 2024, there have been over 17,500 visits to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
The largest proportion of patients to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic have been children, with over 1 in 4 visits from individuals aged under 15 years old.
More than 1 in 4 visits have taken place on the weekend, and of the visits that took place during weekdays, 1 in 4 have taken place at 5pm or later.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Mark Butler:
"The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide more funding to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
“For the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic this means increasing staff numbers in peak periods, and extending opening hours.
“With over 17,500 visits to the UCC we know how much the local community values this service.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP:
“A year ago today, we opened the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic – and with over 17,500 visits, it’s proved to be one of the busiest in the country.
“That’s why we’re delivering more doctors and nurses during peak hours so that you can get the free urgent care you need, even quicker.
“That means it’s not only open every day of the week and after hours too – but it now has additional capacity to look after you and your family.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP:
“In just 12 months, over 17,500 people in our community, have been able to access vital health care at the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care clinic, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in our region.
“I’ve heard firsthand from community members how transformative the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been, with some telling me that the service has been genuinely lifesaving for them.
“The Albanese Government’s funding boost means even more Novocastrians will be able to get the urgent and quick care they need, while taking even more pressure off our local hospitals.”
