Community gets new urgent care hub

GEELONG locals seeking urgent medical assistance will now get better access, thanks to a new Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) that has opened in Belmont.

The Belmont facility is one of the 25 PPCCs being rolled out across the state courtesy of the Victorian government and Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN), and will aim to provide more options to those seeking urgent care, particularly for those not requiring emergency responses.

The PPCC will treat patients with injuries such as lacerations or cuts requiring stitches, rashes, ear nose and throat infections, basic fractures and minor burns.

Eastbrooke Family Clinic Belmont were awarded the contract to operate the facility and will base the care centre in the existing Eastbrooke Health Hub site at 75 Rosyln Road, Belmont.

Eastbrooke Medical Centres director Andrew de Picot said the organisation was “delighted to take a leadership role in the operation and establishment of the Geelong PPCC”.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with our key stakeholders in delivering this new service to our local community.”

WVPHN chief executive officer Rowena Clift also welcomed the addition of the Geelong PPCC to primary health support services in western Victoria.

“People suffering conditions such as mild infections, fractures and burns will be able to receive treatment from the Geelong PPCC instead of having to wait in emergency at the University Hospital,” she said.

The facility is open seven days a week from 11am to 9pm.

The service will be free, and patients will not require an appointment.

On top of the Belmont clinic, another PPCC facility is set to be opened in early February in the University Hospital Geelong.