What is available?
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) provide medical care for illnesses or injuries that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for a regular appointment with a GP.
The clinics operate in a general practice setting and make it easier to see a doctor or nurse when care is urgent but not life-threatening. This may include concerns such as:
- minor infections
- minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- stitches and glue for minor cuts
- insect bites and rashes
- minor eye and ear problems
- respiratory illness e.g. asthma, croup and exacerbation of COPD
- gastroenteritis
- mild burns.
For routine general health care, Tasmanians should continue to see a regular GP. Medicare UCCs are not an alternative to traditional GP visits.
The Australian Government has provided funding to Primary Health Tasmania and the Tasmanian Department of Health commission eight clinics across Tasmania.
Who is eligible?
Anyone can access Medicare UCCs.
Where is it available?
Tasmania has eight Medicare Urgent Care Clinics – in Bridgewater, Burnie, Devonport, Kingston, Launceston, Sorell, and two in Hobart.
- Bridgewater Medicare UCC: 9-11 Hurst Street. Open 9am to 7pm, seven days a week.
- Burnie Medicare UCC: 16-20 Mooreville Road, Park Grove. Opening hours: 12 noon to 10pm, seven days a week.
- Devonport Medicare UCC: 133 Steele Street. Opening Hours: 1pm to 9pm, seven days a week.
- Hobart (Bathurst St) Medicare UCC: 71 Bathurst Street. Opening hours: 2pm to 10pm, seven days a week.
- Hobart (Liverpool St) Medicare UCC: Level 1, 242 Liverpool Street. Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, seven days a week.
- Kingston Medicare UCC: Shop 63, 29 Channel Highway (opposite the post office). Opening hours: 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.
- Launceston Medicare UCC: 215 Wellington Street. Opening hours: 9am to 8pm, seven days a week.
- Sorell Medicare UCC: Shop 11/12 Cole Street. Opening hours: 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Who can make a referral?
No referral or appointment is needed – people can just walk into the clinics.
How much does it cost?
These services are bulk billed, meaning there is no out-of-pocket costs to patients.
I need help now. Where should I go?
Please note: Primary Health Tasmania does not deliver health services or crisis/emergency support.
Your regular doctor should always be your first point of call if you need medical or mental health care.
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for Ambulance, Fire or Police
- For information about health services open at night, public holidays and weekends, go to: www.tasaftershours.com or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
Is there a related Tasmanian HealthPathway?
Yes. Health professionals can log in to the Tasmanian HealthPathways portal and search Urgent Care Clinic.