Paterson MP Meryl Swanson has called for an urgent care clinic in her electorate at Raymond Terrace , an area that missed out on the Medicare initiative. Login or signup to continue reading Ms Swanson toured the area with federal Health Minister Mark Butler on Tuesday and urged him not to forget her electorate. "I am absolutely calling for an urgent care clinic and I would love it to be here in Raymond Terrace," Ms Swanson said.
Mr Butler said he would "continue to talk" with Ms Swanson about "urgent care services in her electorate". "We don't have funding right now for additional clinics," the Health Minister said. The Albanese government has announced two rounds of these urgent care clinics over the past two years.
In its 2023 budget, it announced 58 clinics - one of which was established at Cessnock . In its budget in May this year, a further 29 clinics were announced - with one to be established at Newcastle-Lake Macquarie. Such clinics usually have one doctor, one nurse and one secretary and run from the morning to after hours.
The clinics see people for conditions such as upper respiratory infections, acute ear pain and rapid onset rashes. Consultations require no appointments and are fully bulk-billed . Many Hunter GP clinics now charge more than $100 for a standard consultation, with a Medicare rebate of $42.
85. The Health Minister toured the Raymond Terrace Family Practice, which now charges $102 for a standard consultation. Asked about rising GP fees, Mr Butler said.