New clinic to ease pressure on emergency department

THE Bendigo Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has officially opened after a visit from federal treasurer Jim Chalmers and Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters.

The facility began operation last month and has received well over 800 presentations since then.

The clinic at 121 Arnold Street is for patients who need immediate care for non-life threatening conditions like sprains, infections, rashes or cuts, and has been established to take some pressure off the nearby Bendigo Health emergency department.

Mr Chalmers said it’s already making a difference in people’s health by providing cheaper and easier access to a doctor and easing pressure on the Hospital.

“From bruises to burns, coughs, colds or cuts, you can head straight to the clinic, free of charge, rather than to the emergency department,” he said.

“This centre is delivering quicker care close to home for lots of people, while freeing up the hardworking doctors and nurses at the hospital to focus on saving lives.”

Ms Chesters made the point that it’s important for new facilities such as the centre to help keep pace with Bendigo’s ongoing population growth.

“There’s very limited access to after-hours GPs in our region and the clinic will help ensure that people who need non-emergency care aren’t sitting at the ED,” she said.

The Bendigo Medicare Urgent Care Clinic located at 121 Arnold Street is open from 10am-10pm from Friday to Tuesday and from 10am-6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

You can contact reception by calling 03 5445 5690 during opening hours.