Major milestone for Urgent Care Centre

ARNOLD Street’s Bendigo Urgent Care Centre (UCC) has reached a significant milestone after treating its twenty-five thousandth patient since opening in June 2023.

Located within the Bendigo Primary Care Centre (BPCC), the clinic provides treatment for a range of non-life-threatening acute illnesses and injuries and acts to lessen demand in Bendigo Health’s Emergency Department.

BPCC general manager Callum Wright said the feedback from most people who use the service is that they would have gone to the ED if it didn’t exist.

“We’re providing a service that’s more comfortable, more convenient, and more appropriate for these kinds of health concerns,” he said.

“People get the care they need, without the long wait or the stress of sitting in ED.

“After triage, if someone doesn’t need to be seen immediately, they’re given an indicative appointment time and encouraged to wait at home or wherever suits them as long as it is safe to do so, not in a crowded waiting room.

“It’s a simple idea, but it really changes the experience, especially for families, older people, and anyone juggling work or caring responsibilities.”

The UCC is staffed by a team of over 35 local GPs, working on rotation and supported by more than 15 nurses, eight receptionists and security staff.

While most shifts are covered by experienced general practitioners, the centre is also helping to build the future GP workforce through structured, real-world training.

A dedicated urgent care training stream for GP registrars will begin next month.

The Bendigo Urgent Care Centre, located at 121 Arnold Street, is open from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week. To book an appointment, call 5445 5690.