Expressions of interest open for Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Maitland and Terrigal

The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the country with the expressions of Interest (EOI) to establish two additional Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) in Terrigal and Maitland now open.
 
This marks the start of the process to establish 50 new Medicare UCCs announced in the 2025–26 Budget.
 
Medicare UCCs provide walk-in, bulk billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies and help reduce pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments, allowing them to focus on higher urgency and life-threatening conditions.
 
Residents of the Hunter and Central Coast region currently have access to bulk billed urgent care at four Medicare UCCs in Cessnock, Charlestown, Lake Haven and Peninsula.
 
There have been over 328,000 visits to the 22 clinics located in NSW.
 
The two Medicare UCCs in the Maitland and Terrigal areas will build on the existing Medicare UCC network and expand walk-in bulk billed treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening emergencies. They will be open extended hours, seven days a week.
 
The EOI to establish Medicare UCCs in the Maitland and Terrigal regions is being run by the HNECC Primary Health Network with submissions closing on 15 July 2025. The EOI is open to existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics around the country are providing free, timely and high-quality care to thousands of Australians
 
“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are filling the gap between GPs and hospital emergency departments.
 
“They are a key part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to strengthen Medicare and make health care more accessible and affordable.
 
“The launch of the EOI process marks the beginning of the next phase in expanding the Medicare UCC, which will see 50 additional clinics established.”
 
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
 
“Since our Labor Government opened the Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Lake Haven and Umina, they’ve seen more than 25,000 locals.
 
“A third local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will deliver healthcare closer to home for more Coasties.”
 
Quotes attributable to Dr Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson:
 
“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are making a real difference here on the Central Coast, helping ease pressure on our hospital emergency departments and making it easier for people to see a bulk billed doctor.
 
“The Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has seen over 17,000 patients, since opening in 2023.
 
“The Federal Labor Government is committed to establishing another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to service Terrigal and surrounding communities.
 
“I encourage interested general practices who have capacity to consider applying during the EOI period.”
 
Quotes attributable to Meryl Swanson, Member for Paterson:
 
“I’m proud to see Maitland included in the next rollout of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. This is fantastic news for our community and a big win for locals.
 
“Opening the EOI process is an important milestone in bringing a much-needed Urgent Care Clinic to Maitland."