One of 25 new urgent care clinics will be established in partnership with Werribee Mercy Hospital, the state government has announced.
The GP partnered services will be designed to handle medical issues such as mild infections, fractures and burns, and will operate for extended hours.
The service is hoped to ease pressure on emergency departments, and give people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions.
“Around the country, the pandemic has put enormous pressure on healthcare systems, and part of that is because – through no fault of their own – people have delayed going to their GP and accessing primary care,” premier Daniel Andrews said.
The state government said locations were determined following consideration of population, community needs and emergency department demand.
Residents will be able to access the clinics for extended hours and people will not be charged for services provided by GPs.
Patients without a Medicare card will also be able to access services for free.
“Not only will this initiative free up beds in the ED for those with the most critical needs, but it will also fast track non-emergency patients so they can receive the treatment they need in a more comfortable setting,” health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.
Other locations include Frankston Hospital, Bendigo Hospital, Casey Hospital, Albury Wodonga Health, Austin Hospital, Alfred Hospital, Dandenong Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, and Box Hill Hospital.
The state government said another 10 Victorian locations will be announced soon.
