Record-Breaking Demand for Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania

Tasmanians are flocking to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in record numbers, relieving pressure on hospital emergency departments. The five clinics in Tasmania have treated over 117,000 patients since opening, primarily families with children, with the majority of visits occurring on weekends or after 5 pm. The clinics, operated by local general practices, offer free, fast, and high-quality care, open seven days a week, and fully bulk-billed, allowing patients to access care without long waits or out-of-pocket costs.

Key Takeaways:

• Tasmanians are turning to Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in record numbers, with over 117,000 patients treated since opening.
• The five clinics treated 1,586 patients last week, more than the Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department (1,562 patients).
• The clinics are primarily visited by families with children, with around one in four visits made by young people under 15.
• More than a quarter of all visits occur on weekends, and over a third of weekday appointments occur after 5 pm.
• The clinics are fully bulk-billed, and all services are provided for free, without the need for a credit card or long wait times.
• Additional clinics are set to open in Burnie, Kingston, and Sorell by mid-2026, expanding access to urgent care for more Tasmanian families.

Statistics:

• Over 117,000 patients have been treated by Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania since opening.
• 1,586 patients were treated by the five clinics last week.
• The Royal Hobart Hospital Emergency Department treated 1,562 patients in the week to 16 October.
• Launceston General Hospital treated 854 patients in the same week.
• Around one in four visits were made by patients under 15.
• More than a quarter of all visits occurred on weekends.
• Over a third of weekday appointments occurred after 5 pm.

Sources:

• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
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