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Tasmanians are reminded that Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) will be open throughout the holiday season, with the Department of Health releasing the top three most common reasons why people in Tasmania present to UCCs.
It comes as the Department encourages Tasmanians to become familiar with the treatment options available to best suit their health needs, particularly over the traditionally busy summer holiday season.
The most common reason people in Tasmania presented to UCCs was to seek treatment for a respiratory illness, including ailments such as chest infections.
The next most common reason for a presentation was for a skin condition or infection, followed by ear, nose and throat conditions including earache, ear infection or blocked ears.
Overall, there have been more than 55,000 presentations to Medicare UCCs between July 2023 and November 2024, demonstrating the significant benefit they are bringing to communities across Tasmania.
Medicare UCCs are available to support people who could not wait to see their GP but do not need the emergency department.
Medicare UCCs provide assessment, treatment and care for urgent but non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
They are bulk-billed, meaning there is no cost to patients, and there is the added benefit that appointments are not required, with patients able to walk in and wait to be seen.
Importantly, the benefit of Medicare UCCs is two-fold - patients receive the right treatment in the right place, while also helping to reduce pressure on our busy hospital emergency departments.
We encourage Tasmanians to familiarise themselves with the location and opening hours of their nearest Medicare UCC - you or a family member may have reason to access one during the upcoming Christmas and new year period.
There are five Medicare Urgent Clinics across Tasmania - including two in Hobart, one in Launceston and one in Devonport - which offer bulk-billed healthcare for urgent health issues without the need for an appointment, 7 days a week. The third Medicare UCC for southern Tasmania opened at Bridgewater last month.
If you are not sure what to do, a good place to start is calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. This service is available 24/7 and can help guide you to the most appropriate treatment option for you or your loved one.
The Care@home service also provides around the clock virtual care for patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, supporting to patients to better self-manage their illnesses in their own home. The team can be contacted on 1800 973 363.
Everyone who requires emergency care should always call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department (ED), where our dedicated staff will be there to care for you.
For more information about non-emergency care options available in Tasmania, including the locations and opening hours of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/rightcare